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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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Horn Observer
March 20, 2024
Somali women MPs rally against opposition to women's participation in politics

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a press conference joined by local women activists on Monday, Somali women Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their frustration and lack of political will to include a 30% women quota in the constitutional amendments amidst a heated de

Source: EU International Partnerships
March 14, 2024
EU and partners launch WYDE – Women’s Leadership Initiative

The European Union and partners launch the Women’s Leadership Initiative, a component of the Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE), in New York today during the 

Source: Dhaka Tribune
March 8, 2024
Why is women leadership in politics still insignificant?

The landscape of women leadership in Bangladesh presents a paradox: despite notable female figures in key political positions, the overarching advancement of women into leadership roles remains stagnant. Despite having a female prime minister, a female speake

China will only benefit by welcoming women into high-level politics

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March 8, 2024

China will only benefit by welcoming women into high-level politics

Today, China joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day. Mao Zedong once famously said that women hold up half the sky.

Today, China joins the world in celebrating International Women’s Day. Mao Zedong once famously said that women hold up half the sky.

NATO
March 7, 2024
Women, Peace and Security

NATO recognises the disproportionate impact that conflict has on women and girls, the vital roles women play in peace and security, and the importance of incorporating gender perspectives in all that the Alliance does.

Political power in Australia is still overwhelmingly male. But beneath the despair, there’s reason for hope

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March 7, 2024

Political power in Australia is still overwhelmingly male. But beneath the despair, there’s reason for hope

It’s 2024, but power still looks like a man. Despite Australia’s claim to egalitarianism, achieving equal political participation and representation remains a formidable challenge for women.

It’s 2024, but power still looks like a man. Despite Australia’s claim to egalitarianism, achieving equal political participation and representation remains a formidable challenge for women.

Source: Women's Committee NCRI
February 29, 2024
Women’s active and equal participation in political leadership is indispensable to democracy

A very moving and inspirational #IWD2024 conference was held today, Saturday, February 24, 2024, in Paris.