Summary of the e-Discussion on Women’s Participation in Local Government
The e-Discussion on Women’s Political Representation and Participation at the local level was launched on 2 February 2018 in Arabic, English, French
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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Mentoring the next global generation of women leaders
By Carine Guidicelli and Betty-Ann Heggie
Closing the gender gap in politics
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Under Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, calls on Commonwealth countries to make democracy more democratic by ensuring that women can participate freely, fairly and safely in elections and politic
To achieve gender equality in politics, men must do more
By Caroline Hubbard and Tim Shand
April 16, 2018
11 states have no women representing them in Congress
Progress is not inevitable. And it is rarely -- if ever -- complete. For women in American politics, each point of progress serves as a reminder of the progress we have yet to make toward equitable power and presence in government.
April 13, 2018
Gambia: Beakanyang trains on women's political participation
Rights advocacy organisation Beakanyang Kafo has trained and sensitised over one hundred women in the Upper and Central River Regions on the importance of political participation.
April 2, 2018
Japan’s internal affairs minister Seiko Noda opens political school for women
GIFU – Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiko Noda, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, on Sunday opened a political school in Gifu Prefecture to foster female politicians.
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.
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!”