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.
Lalthlamauni or Jarjum Ete win or not, they have already made history by being the first women in the two states – which both have more women voters than men – to contest a Lok Sabha election.
The image is striking: a young woman, alone, standing above the crowd, urging them on with songs of revolution.
By Meghan Balogh,
Young women from every federal riding in the country took part in a historic sitting in the House of Commons last Wednesday.
From unwanted advice about having kids to unrealistic expectations for fundraising, Reps. Terri Sewell and Veronica Escobar talk about the obstacles faced by women who run for office.
Women across Europe don’t tend to vote as much in European elections, compared with men, posing questions on the growing gender gap in both politics and representation in the European Parliament.
Including women in local councils is strongly negatively associated with the prevalence of both petty and grand forms of corruption. This reduction in corruption is primarily experienced among women.
South Africa has made great strides in establishing a constitutional and legislative framework for building a participatory democracy.
Although Sri Lanka has 51% women, their participation in local governance as well as in the national parliament is 5% in total.
