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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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August 3, 2018
Nigeria: Women mobilise for effective participation ahead of 2019 polls

Scores of female contestants under the aegis of Women Aspirants Summit in Abuja mobilised for effective participation in politics as the 2019 general elections draw nearer.

August 3, 2018
New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern returns from maternity leave

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has returned to work after spending "the fastest six weeks" of her life on maternity leave.

July 31, 2018
Women’s political and economic empowerment the focus of UN-backed radio programme

Women’s participation in development planning and political processes is crucial for advancing Afghanistan toward a more stable and prosperous country, said panellists during a UN-backed radio programme in the central highlands province of Bamyan.

July 30, 2018
Colombia shatters glass ceiling with gender-equal cabinet

Colombia is to get its first female interior minister with women heading other key ministries including justice and energy

By Anastasia Moloney

July 27, 2018
Women cabinet ministers in Japan

The Global Gender Gap Report released in November 2017 by the World Economic Forum ranked Japan 114th out of 144 countries. This was a fall of three places from the previous year.

Armenia needs more women in politics, but what will it take?

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July 27, 2018

Armenia needs more women in politics, but what will it take?

“A woman’s place is in the revolution” read signs carried by countless young protesters who helped oust Armenia’s autocratic President Serge Sarkisian.

“A woman’s place is in the revolution” read signs carried by countless young protesters who helped oust Armenia’s autocratic President Serge Sarkisian.

July 27, 2018
2nd POWA forum tackles media’s impact on women’s participation in politics

The Progressive Organisation for Women Advancement (POWA) has organised its second forum to discuss women’s participation in the Ghanaian political space.

July 24, 2018
Change in Pakistan as women seize right to vote

Hameeda Shahid is making history. She is standing for parliament in a conservative tribal area of Pakistan which borders Afghanistan.