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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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November 26, 2018
Syrian women seek role in drafting constitution

As the United Nations is working with local and international stakeholders to draft a new Syrian constitution, Syrian women demand a seat at the table to ensure their concerns and insights are considered in a future Syrian state.

November 26, 2018
Malaysia: Not mandatory to have 30 per cent women representation in politics, says Hannah Yeoh

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention to make it mandatory for there to be 30 per cent female involvement in government and politics, said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.

Clear perceptual barriers’ that prevent women from entering politics: study

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November 23, 2018

Clear perceptual barriers’ that prevent women from entering politics: study

David Coletto of Abacus Data revealed key findings of the latest research study that surveyed women’s participation in politics, finding alarming but “not surprising” results on the gender disparity of engagement and political participation between m

David Coletto of Abacus Data revealed key findings of the latest research study that surveyed women’s participation in politics, finding alarming but “not surprising” results on the gender disparity of engagement and political participation between m

November 23, 2018
‘It’s changed me forever’: Here’s how women fueled a political shift in Mecklenburg

Tuesday’s recount that ratified the election of Democrat Rachel Hunt to the North Carolina House underscored the success not only of female candidates but of the women who helped elect them.

November 23, 2018
Abuse and sexism: Female MPs discuss barriers to women in politics

Abuse, sexism and a lack of equality remain barriers to women looking to stand for election, according to a cross-party parliamentary panel.

November 23, 2018
‘We have to raise the level of women's participation in political life’ – caretaker FM says at World Democracy Forum

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s caretaker foreign minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan has delivered remarks at the Plenary Session of World Democracy Forum “Women, security and democratization in the context of multilateralism”.

November 20, 2018
Young women set their sights on closing the gender gap in Liberia

In 2005, Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first elected female head of state in Africa, marking a milestone for the country and the continent.

November 19, 2018
'A woman's place is in elected office', Theresa May tells politicians

Theresa May told a gathering of female politicians from around the world that “a woman’s place is in elected office” as she urged them to work together to make sure their voices were heard.

November 19, 2018
Politics and science need more women, says Angela Merkel

The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has said that her role as the most powerful woman in Germany should not let society off the hook for the small proportion of women in politics.