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Women's Leadership

While there have been important advances in women’s leadership in politics, as of November 1 2017, women make up only 7.2% of Heads of State and 6.2% Heads of Government. Data on women representatives in local government, including as mayors, heads of villages and towns, is not well collected and analyzed. The adoption of an SDG indicator on women’s representation in local government is a great step forward in tracking progress on gender balance, allowing for the systematic collection and analysis of data on women in local government. Women’s access to and continued role in leadership positions is challenged by a range of barriers, including discriminatory laws and practices, as well as social norms that prescribe traditional roles and attitudes towards women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles. Proactive gender-equality policies within political parties and local government structures, including quotas and special temporary measures, gender-sensitive approaches to electoral processes, support networks, mentoring, training, and engagement of male champions, can all help promote women’s role in political leadership. 

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Backsliding democracies and women’s rights in the U.S. and around the globe

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May 3, 2024

Backsliding democracies and women’s rights in the U.S. and around the globe

Can a democracy where women have never been equal ever really thrive? How are attacks on democracy tied to gender equity?

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Can a democracy where women have never been equal ever really thrive? How are attacks on democracy tied to gender equity?

World News

Dora Akunyili: a black woman who reformed Nigeria’s public health sector

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Dora Akunyili: a black woman who reformed Nigeria’s public health sector

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The struggle of Black women to be recognized, respected, and welcomed as leaders is an international one. Generally, Black women have been absent and invisible from leadership positions in many countries—including the author’s home country of Nigeria, where a historical dearth of women in political or official positions remains very much the case today, despite purported efforts by the Nigerian government to increase women’s participation in politics.

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Nonprofit Quarterly

The struggle of Black women to be recognized, respected, and welcomed as leaders is an international one. Generally, Black women have been absent and invisible from leadership positions in many countries—including the author’s home country of Nigeria, where a historical dearth of women in political or official positions remains very much the case today, despite purported efforts by the Nigerian government to increase women’s participation in politics.

Family obligations holding women candidates back?

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April 30, 2024

Family obligations holding women candidates back?

Balancing family obligations and public service is a persistent challenge for working mothers in America’s political system, family advocates told the 2024 National Press Foundation Women in Politics Fellowship.

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Balancing family obligations and public service is a persistent challenge for working mothers in America’s political system, family advocates told the 2024 National Press Foundation Women in Politics Fellowship.

Women’s role in democracy and peace: a vital conversation amid rising global tensions

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April 29, 2024

Women’s role in democracy and peace: a vital conversation amid rising global tensions

In a webinar hosted by Grassroots for Europe, leading female activists and politicians discussed the critical role of women in defending democracy aga

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In a webinar hosted by Grassroots for Europe, leading female activists and politicians discussed the critical role of women in defending democracy aga

‘Nobody is going to tell you it’s your turn.’ A roundtable discussion with women lawmakers on the political landscape and leadership in Colorado

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April 29, 2024

‘Nobody is going to tell you it’s your turn.’ A roundtable discussion with women lawmakers on the political landscape and leadership in Colorado

Colorado has consistently ranked highly for the number of women holding elected office for the last few decades. Colorado currently ranks second in the nation for the number of women elected to the state legislature.

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Colorado has consistently ranked highly for the number of women holding elected office for the last few decades. Colorado currently ranks second in the nation for the number of women elected to the state legislature.

There aren’t official rules about women politicians’ appearances, but unwritten pressures certainly exist

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April 29, 2024

There aren’t official rules about women politicians’ appearances, but unwritten pressures certainly exist

Despite their increasing visibility, women in government must still contend with gendered biases about the ways in which they choose to present themselves.

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Despite their increasing visibility, women in government must still contend with gendered biases about the ways in which they choose to present themselves.

More women hold elective office, but not necessarily more power, say Rutgers Researchers

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April 26, 2024

More women hold elective office, but not necessarily more power, say Rutgers Researchers

Tracking the number of women in elective office represents only one measure of political power, two Rutgers University researchers told the 2024 National Press Foundation Women in Politics Fellowship.

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Tracking the number of women in elective office represents only one measure of political power, two Rutgers University researchers told the 2024 National Press Foundation Women in Politics Fellowship.

A woman in politics – a heroine or “the one who neglected her home, husband, and children for her career“?

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April 23, 2024

A woman in politics – a heroine or “the one who neglected her home, husband, and children for her career“?

Last year, we have worked with students of journalism and their assistant professor Jovana Davidović on combating sexist hate speech, sexism and misogyny.

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Last year, we have worked with students of journalism and their assistant professor Jovana Davidović on combating sexist hate speech, sexism and misogyny.

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