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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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World News

UN spotlights women’s political participation in Liberia

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UN spotlights women’s political participation in Liberia

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The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights Office is this July spotlighting Women’s political participation, focusing on women and girls with disabilities.

According to a press release, OHCHR is collaborating with the National Commission on Disability and the National Union of Organisations on the Disabled in Liberia to host a dialogue with women and girls with disabilities.

The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights Office is this July spotlighting Women’s political participation, focusing on women and girls with disabilities.

According to a press release, OHCHR is collaborating with the National Commission on Disability and the National Union of Organisations on the Disabled in Liberia to host a dialogue with women and girls with disabilities.

World News

Time to end gender-based violence, boost role of women in politics, public life

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Time to end gender-based violence, boost role of women in politics, public life

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Speaking to the Council’s annual meeting in Geneva on protecting the rights of women and girls, the UN High Commissioner said it was an urgent task, and there needed to be zero-tolerance of gender-based violence.

He highlighted the alarming reality that female human rights defenders, women journalists, and those in public office and political decision-making positions, routinely come under “vicious” attack.

Speaking to the Council’s annual meeting in Geneva on protecting the rights of women and girls, the UN High Commissioner said it was an urgent task, and there needed to be zero-tolerance of gender-based violence.

He highlighted the alarming reality that female human rights defenders, women journalists, and those in public office and political decision-making positions, routinely come under “vicious” attack.

Inside plan for women's political inclusion in S. Sudan

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June 30, 2023

Inside plan for women's political inclusion in S. Sudan

The UN Women and UNDP in South Sudan have launched a three-year programme to enhance women’s political participation and leadership.

The UN Women and UNDP in South Sudan have launched a three-year programme to enhance women’s political participation and leadership.

World News

Canada: Status of Women Council announces new president, executive director

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Canada: Status of Women Council announces new president, executive director

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The Status of Women Council of the NWT, leaderless for almost a year, says it now has a new president and a fresh executive director.

The council, an arm’s-length creation of the NWT government, has a mandate to advocate on behalf of women and provide feedback on territorial policies and legislation.

The Status of Women Council of the NWT, leaderless for almost a year, says it now has a new president and a fresh executive director.

The council, an arm’s-length creation of the NWT government, has a mandate to advocate on behalf of women and provide feedback on territorial policies and legislation.

Catholics call for Vatican to embrace women in leadership, LGBTQ community, report says

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June 23, 2023

Catholics call for Vatican to embrace women in leadership, LGBTQ community, report says

From welcoming LGBTQ Catholics to better representation of women, the Vatican published on Tuesday a reflection on the top social issues facing the Catholic Church as part

From welcoming LGBTQ Catholics to better representation of women, the Vatican published on Tuesday a reflection on the top social issues facing the Catholic Church as part

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India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index, says WEF report

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India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index, says WEF report

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India has ranked at 127 out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity -- an improvement of eight places from last year -- according to the World Economic Forum's annual Gender Gap Report, 2023. The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked India at 135 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index in the report's 2022 edition.

India has ranked at 127 out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity -- an improvement of eight places from last year -- according to the World Economic Forum's annual Gender Gap Report, 2023. The World Economic Forum (WEF) ranked India at 135 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index in the report's 2022 edition.

The women who are barred from the negotiating table…

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June 23, 2023

The women who are barred from the negotiating table…

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black American woman elected to the US Congress back in 1972, once famously remarked: “If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a f

Shirley Chisholm, the first Black American woman elected to the US Congress back in 1972, once famously remarked: “If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a f

Nigeria: there should be operational gender policy to encourage women in politics – Prof Okunna

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June 21, 2023

Nigeria: there should be operational gender policy to encourage women in politics – Prof Okunna

Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna is the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and the entire Sub-Saharan Africa.

Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna is the first female Professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria and the entire Sub-Saharan Africa.