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.
The steady increase in the percentage of women in Israel’s parliament has not been accompanied by a similar rise in their cabinet representation.
UN Women in Moldova has launched an initiative for the civic and political empowerment of women candidates with disabilities ahead of the 2019 local elections, in partnership with the local ‘MOTIVATIE’ Association.
Many women face exclusion, discrimination, harassment and acts of psychological and physical violence when they join politics.
Many women face exclusion, discrimination, harassment and acts of psychological and physical violence when they join politics.
When Nigerians go to the polls Feb. 16 for general elections, few will be expecting large numbers of female candidates to win.
When Nigerians go to the polls Feb. 16 for general elections, few will be expecting large numbers of female candidates to win.
A local pro-democracy and women's rights advocacy group working in Southeastern Liberia, the National Institute for Public Opinion (NIPO), has concluded a one-day dialogue on women's political participation in Sinoe County.
By Helen Clark,
By Helen Clark,
By Emma Gray,
By Emma Gray,
Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) announced she is nominating Christine Blasey Ford ― the woman who accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault, for a distinguished honor usually reserved for public officials.