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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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Gender balanced cabinets: Where we stand, why it matters

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July 19, 2022

Gender balanced cabinets: Where we stand, why it matters

More than 100 years after women gained full citizenship rights through the 19th Amendment, women are still under-represented in government.

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More than 100 years after women gained full citizenship rights through the 19th Amendment, women are still under-represented in government.

Interviews

Women in Tunisia: Has a female prime minister changed Tunisia?

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July 15, 2022

Women in Tunisia: Has a female prime minister changed Tunisia?

Tunisia has seen a marked shift in attitudes towards women political leaders since Najla Bouden became the first female prime minister in the Arab world.

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BBC / Getty Images (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-62053997)

Tunisia has seen a marked shift in attitudes towards women political leaders since Najla Bouden became the first female prime minister in the Arab world.

Women and political power In Pakistan

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July 13, 2022

Women and political power In Pakistan

"The next step is to move away from symbolic representation for women to have more female politicians in influential decision-making positions," writes Saad Hafiz.

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"The next step is to move away from symbolic representation for women to have more female politicians in influential decision-making positions," writes Saad Hafiz.

Why factory jobs for Ethiopian women haven’t translated into greater participation in politics

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July 12, 2022

Why factory jobs for Ethiopian women haven’t translated into greater participation in politics

Until the war in Tigray started in November 2020, Ethiopia was a favoured investment destination.

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Until the war in Tigray started in November 2020, Ethiopia was a favoured investment destination.

World News

Intergeneration Dialogue on Generation Equality and Women’s Leadership in Malawi: “This is Malawi, a land of women, who lead, and men, who celebrate them”

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Intergeneration Dialogue on Generation Equality and Women’s Leadership in Malawi: “This is Malawi, a land of women, who lead, and men, who celebrate them”

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In 2021, the world’s political leaders, youth activists, corporate executives, development agencies, gathered in Paris for the Generation Equality Forum to lay the foundation for a new agenda to address gender equality. Following the Forum, as a co-leader of the Action Coalition on Feminist Movements and Leadership, Malawi made commitments to promote feminist movements building and women’s leadership at all levels.

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In 2021, the world’s political leaders, youth activists, corporate executives, development agencies, gathered in Paris for the Generation Equality Forum to lay the foundation for a new agenda to address gender equality. Following the Forum, as a co-leader of the Action Coalition on Feminist Movements and Leadership, Malawi made commitments to promote feminist movements building and women’s leadership at all levels.

How to level the playing field for women in Venezuelan politics

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July 1, 2022

How to level the playing field for women in Venezuelan politics

Despite some small advances and changes in legislation, both chavismo and the opposition make things more difficult for female politicians. But Venezuela could take some steps towards equality.

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Despite some small advances and changes in legislation, both chavismo and the opposition make things more difficult for female politicians. But Venezuela could take some steps towards equality.

Political violence targeting women in West Africa

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June 30, 2022

Political violence targeting women in West Africa

Women around the world are facing unprecedented levels of targeted political violence. This is also true in West Africa. Women can be targeted in a myriad of ways, by an array of types of perpetrators, during and outside of periods of conflict and contentious crises.

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Women around the world are facing unprecedented levels of targeted political violence. This is also true in West Africa. Women can be targeted in a myriad of ways, by an array of types of perpetrators, during and outside of periods of conflict and contentious crises.

World News

Emergency preparedness requires gender-aware responses to reduce burdens of care, violence and economic insecurity on women: UN Women and UNDP Tracker Report

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Emergency preparedness requires gender-aware responses to reduce burdens of care, violence and economic insecurity on women: UN Women and UNDP Tracker Report

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This new report presents a clarion opportunity to champion improved, gender-responsive social protections and to ensure meaningful participation of women to identify solutions to acute and chronic challenges that leave no one behind.

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This new report presents a clarion opportunity to champion improved, gender-responsive social protections and to ensure meaningful participation of women to identify solutions to acute and chronic challenges that leave no one behind.

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