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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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January 21, 2019
Australian Minister for women to leave politics at election

Australia’s Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said Saturday she will quit politics for personal reasons at this year’s election, adding to the list of female politicians to leave the ruling party, some citing disunity, bullying and intimidation.

Gaining ground: Women and territorial power-sharing in peace processes

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January 18, 2019

Gaining ground: Women and territorial power-sharing in peace processes

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful pa

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful pa

Accessing political power: Women and political power - sharing in peace processes

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January 18, 2019

Accessing political power: Women and political power - sharing in peace processes

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender perspectives in

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender perspectives in

Transitional justice and peace negotiations with a gender lens

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January 18, 2019

Transitional justice and peace negotiations with a gender lens

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender p

This paper is part of a Gender Briefing Series to support women’s meaningful participation and the integration of gender p

Multiple women are in the 2020 race already and people are so pumped

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January 18, 2019

Multiple women are in the 2020 race already and people are so pumped

It's perhaps more likely than ever that the next U.S. president could be a woman.

It's perhaps more likely than ever that the next U.S. president could be a woman.

January 17, 2019
Young, female and diverse: Legislatures begin to change to save democracy

As many political analysts see democracy weakened by introverted, xenophobic parties and autocratic leaders, a glimmer of hope is offered by a new generation of candidates and voters.

Australia: Liberal women have little chance if the system still favours party cronyism

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January 15, 2019

Australia: Liberal women have little chance if the system still favours party cronyism

By Eugenie Joseph,

Many candidates – across all parties – are not selected on clear merit, especially for winnable seats.

By Eugenie Joseph,

Many candidates – across all parties – are not selected on clear merit, especially for winnable seats.

January 15, 2019
Roundtable: Political empowerment of women through ICTs

The Office of International IDEA to the European Union organized on 7 December 2018, a Roundtable discussion on ”Political empowerment of women through ICTs”, with the support of the Canadian Mission to the European Union.