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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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April 2, 2018
Costa Rica Just Elected Latin America's First Black Female Vice President

In a history-making election, Epsy Campbell became the first Afro-Latina vice president in Costa Rica, as well as the first black female vice president in Latin America.

Videos

The Helen Clark Documentary

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March 23, 2018

The Helen Clark Documentary

“The film conveys how tough it is to break the remaining glass ceilings. May it motivate future generations of women to keep at it!”

“The film conveys how tough it is to break the remaining glass ceilings. May it motivate future generations of women to keep at it!”

Platform dedicated to women’s participation in peace processes

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March 2, 2018

Platform dedicated to women’s participation in peace processes

Nearly half of the conflict-resolution agreements forged during the 1990s failed within five years and recidivism for civil war is alarmingly high. New thinking on peace and security is needed. 

Nearly half of the conflict-resolution agreements forged during the 1990s failed within five years and recidivism for civil war is alarmingly high. New thinking on peace and security is needed. 

February 26, 2018
As midterms near, more women plunging into campaigns across the United States

Nearly a year after her hopes for the first female president were dashed, Beth Vercolio-Osmund contemplated her own political debut.

76 countries haven't had a female leader in the last 50 years - here's where women ARE in power

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February 13, 2018

76 countries haven't had a female leader in the last 50 years - here's where women ARE in power

One hundred years ago, on February 6 1918, the UK Parliament passed an act that granted the vote to women over the age of 30.

One hundred years ago, on February 6 1918, the UK Parliament passed an act that granted the vote to women over the age of 30.

Videos

Video: Curious to learn how Male Champions can support women's leadership and political participation?

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February 12, 2018

Video: Curious to learn how Male Champions can support women's leadership and political participation?

February 7, 2018
Latin America’s Female Leadership Void

SANTIAGO, Chile — After President Michelle Bachelet of Chile leaves office in March, Latin America will have no female presidents.

UN ESCWA Report on Women’s Political Representation in the Arab Region

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February 7, 2018

UN ESCWA Report on Women’s Political Representation in the Arab Region

The objective of this study is to generate evidence-based policy recommendations for Arab States, in order to help them scale-up efforts to meet their commitments as relates to goal 5 of the United Nations’ Sustain

The objective of this study is to generate evidence-based policy recommendations for Arab States, in order to help them scale-up efforts to meet their commitments as relates to goal 5 of the United Nations’ Sustain

January 29, 2018
Africa's first elected woman president has transformed Liberia

On Monday, Liberia inaugurated a new president and the nation’s first female vice president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ended her presidency the way she began it—shattering precedent.