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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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World News

USA: Record 12 women to serve as governors, with notable firsts

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USA: Record 12 women to serve as governors, with notable firsts

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A record 12 women will take their seats as their state’s highest-ranking elected officials when the nation’s governors are sworn in this winter.

The number tops the high mark set in 2004 of nine, with The Associated Press’ calling the Arizona governor’s election for Democrat Katie Hobbs on Monday, as well as Democrat Maura Healey in Massachusetts and Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Arkansas winning last week’s elections.

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US: Record 12 women to serve as governors, with notable firsts (Picture: AP)

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A record 12 women will take their seats as their state’s highest-ranking elected officials when the nation’s governors are sworn in this winter.

The number tops the high mark set in 2004 of nine, with The Associated Press’ calling the Arizona governor’s election for Democrat Katie Hobbs on Monday, as well as Democrat Maura Healey in Massachusetts and Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders in Arkansas winning last week’s elections.

The world’s first elected female president reflects on breaking barriers, women’s rights

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November 21, 2022

The world’s first elected female president reflects on breaking barriers, women’s rights

Even at 92, Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who became the first elected female president of a country in 1980, is still a consummate politician and continues to speak out for women’s rights.

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Even at 92, Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who became the first elected female president of a country in 1980, is still a consummate politician and continues to speak out for women’s rights.

Pelosi, dominant figure for the ages, leaves lasting imprint

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November 18, 2022

Pelosi, dominant figure for the ages, leaves lasting imprint

WASHINGTON (AP) — There are two searing scenes of Nancy Pelosi confronting the violent extremism that spilled into the open late in her storied political career.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — There are two searing scenes of Nancy Pelosi confronting the violent extremism that spilled into the open late in her storied political career.

World News

Female political figures celebrate Parliament's equality milestone

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Female political figures celebrate Parliament's equality milestone

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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand has an “even stronger” footing to speak on gender equality as lawmakers past and present celebrated Parliament becoming one of few in the world to be the majority women.

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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand has an “even stronger” footing to speak on gender equality as lawmakers past and present celebrated Parliament becoming one of few in the world to be the majority women.

The 10-Point Action Agenda: Advancing gender equality in crisis settings (10PAA)

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November 11, 2022

The 10-Point Action Agenda: Advancing gender equality in crisis settings (10PAA)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed a 10-Point Action Agenda for Advancing Gender Equality in Crisis Settings (10PAA), a roadmap to guide its development programming towards results that will help transform and advance gender equality in cris

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed a 10-Point Action Agenda for Advancing Gender Equality in Crisis Settings (10PAA), a roadmap to guide its development programming towards results that will help transform and advance gender equality in cris

Leadership pathways of women in Samoa

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November 11, 2022

Leadership pathways of women in Samoa

In December 2020, Sustineo was engaged UN Women under the Women in Leadership in Samoa (WILS) Project to lead the design and implementation of Research on Leadership Pathways of Women in Samoa.

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In December 2020, Sustineo was engaged UN Women under the Women in Leadership in Samoa (WILS) Project to lead the design and implementation of Research on Leadership Pathways of Women in Samoa.

Gender and politics in Portugal

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November 11, 2022

Gender and politics in Portugal

This chapter surveys the literature on gender and politics in Portugal, focusing on explanations for gender differences in political participation and representation.

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This chapter surveys the literature on gender and politics in Portugal, focusing on explanations for gender differences in political participation and representation.

World News

USA: Women in politics have to deal with more harassment and violence. A new database tracks the threats

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USA: Women in politics have to deal with more harassment and violence. A new database tracks the threats

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has become a target for white supremacists.

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has become a target for white supremacists.

“We thought you were going to be a good girl”: Two foreign policy dynamos confront the male world order

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November 9, 2022

“We thought you were going to be a good girl”: Two foreign policy dynamos confront the male world order

Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Gayle Smith on the choices they had to make to succeed, and why — from Iran to Afghanistan to America’s heartland — they think today’s young women will build a better world.

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Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Gayle Smith on the choices they had to make to succeed, and why — from Iran to Afghanistan to America’s heartland — they think today’s young women will build a better world.

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