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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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December 28, 2018
Women still kept out of Indian legislatures

Protagonists of women rights argue that women’s participation in politics is a reinforcing factor in ushering in a level playing field for them. Now, how inclusive is India’s political domain?

How female candidates and leaders are flipping the script on gender

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December 28, 2018

How female candidates and leaders are flipping the script on gender

By Eva Barboni,

For years, women candidates have been advised to downplay their gender, to dress in a gender-neutral way, and to avoid talking too much about “women’s issues.”

By Eva Barboni,

For years, women candidates have been advised to downplay their gender, to dress in a gender-neutral way, and to avoid talking too much about “women’s issues.”

December 27, 2018
Zimbabwe’s first school of politics opened

ZIMBABWE’S first ever women’s political leadership school was on Friday launched in Masvingo under the name, Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (Walpe).

Georgia: First female president does not signify gender equality

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December 27, 2018

Georgia: First female president does not signify gender equality

Salome Zurabishvili was sworn-in as the new President of Georgia on 16 December at an inauguration ceremony in Telavi. Many foreign media outlets focused on the fact she is Georgia’s first female president.

Salome Zurabishvili was sworn-in as the new President of Georgia on 16 December at an inauguration ceremony in Telavi. Many foreign media outlets focused on the fact she is Georgia’s first female president.

December 20, 2018
IPU president praises role of Qatari women in society

The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Gabriela Cuevas Barron praised Qatari legislation that ensures the rights of Qatari women and enables them to reach leading posts in all fields.

Viewpoint: Gender parity matters among Mass. Public higher ed leaders

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December 20, 2018

Viewpoint: Gender parity matters among Mass. Public higher ed leaders

Diversity is good for consumers and businesses — it leads to better decision making in all organizations. Studies have found that corporations with diverse boards and management teams are more profitable and better governed.

Diversity is good for consumers and businesses — it leads to better decision making in all organizations. Studies have found that corporations with diverse boards and management teams are more profitable and better governed.

Michelle Ciccolo, GLPP Alumna ’91, Wins 15th Middlesex District Seat in MA House of Representatives

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December 20, 2018

Michelle Ciccolo, GLPP Alumna ’91, Wins 15th Middlesex District Seat in MA House of Representatives

Michelle Ciccolo earned a Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy graduate certificate in 1991 and a Master of Public Administration degree (MPA) in 1995 at UMass Boston’s McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies.

Michelle Ciccolo earned a Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy graduate certificate in 1991 and a Master of Public Administration degree (MPA) in 1995 at UMass Boston’s McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies.

Do men women really have different leadership styles?

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December 20, 2018

Do men women really have different leadership styles?

By Aleksandra Gadzala, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Africa Center; CEO Magpie Advisory, Atlantic Council.

By Aleksandra Gadzala, Nonresident Senior Fellow, Africa Center; CEO Magpie Advisory, Atlantic Council.

December 20, 2018
Women and politics: women voters are higher than men but why is female representation in politics still low

Women representation in Indian politics has always been a cause of concern. Despite being accountable for 49% of the country’s population, their representation in political participation is extremely poor.