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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May 15, 2018
Women This Week: Making History
First Female Mayor of Tunis
The capital of Tunisia is likely to see its first female mayor, following the country's municipal elections this week.
May 14, 2018
In Zimbabwe women still stay away from politics due to negative media reports
Media’s negative projection of women politicians is discouraging others from joining the male dominated field, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission has observed.
May 11, 2018
Rwanda: Call for Renewed Political Will to Bridge Gender Gaps in All Sectors
As African countries push for respect and promotion of gender equality, political will is key to accelerate attainment of gender equality on the continent.
Dr. Patricia McFadden
Professor, Swaziland
May 4, 2018
Female lawmaker laments non-participation of Northern women in politics
Hajia Maryam Bagel, a member representing Dass constituency, Bauchi state Assembly has lament the non-participation of Northern women in active politics.
May 3, 2018
EU worries over apathy among women in politics in Nigeria
The European Union (EU) is worried that since its huge investment in Nigerian politics, there had been no improvement in women participation.
May 2, 2018
New Mexico College Democrats held a panel on women involved in politics
The University of New Mexico College Democrats held a panel, featuring women involved in politics in New Mexico, at the Student Union Building earlier this month.
May 1, 2018
What does harassment and bullying of women in politics look like?
With this week's news that Newfoundland and Labrador veteran politician Eddie Joyce is being accused of harassment of at least one female MHA, it raises the question — what form can harassment of women take in the political sphere if it's not sexual?