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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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Equal Representation? The Debate Over Gender Quotas (Part 1)

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December 20, 2021

Equal Representation? The Debate Over Gender Quotas (Part 1)

This article is the first in a two-part series examining the impact of gender quotas.

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This article is the first in a two-part series examining the impact of gender quotas.

Reach higher: black women in American politics 2021

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December 16, 2021

Reach higher: black women in American politics 2021

Black women are a powerful force in the American political system, and their political power continues to grow and garner recognition for the force it is.

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Reach higher: black women in American politics 2021 - cover higher heights leadership fund

Black women are a powerful force in the American political system, and their political power continues to grow and garner recognition for the force it is.

Gender-inclusive peace processes: Strengthening women’s meaningful participation through constituency building

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December 15, 2021

Gender-inclusive peace processes: Strengthening women’s meaningful participation through constituency building

In July 2021, UN Women convened the global conference “Gender-inclusive peace processes: Strengthening women’s meaningful participation through constituency building”, in partnership with CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and with financial support from the Ger

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Procesos de paz con perspectiva de género: Fortalecimiento de la participación significativa de las mujeres mediante la creación de grupos de apoyo - ONU Mujeres

In July 2021, UN Women convened the global conference “Gender-inclusive peace processes: Strengthening women’s meaningful participation through constituency building”, in partnership with CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, and with financial support from the Ger

World News

Australians want more women in politics

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Australians want more women in politics

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Australians want to see more women in politics, new research has found. The research - conducted by Women for Election, an organisation which provides support and training to women wanting to enter politics - found 69 per cent of people surveyed agreed more diversity in politics would lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Despite representing more than half the population, women are currently under-represented at all levels of Australian government

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Australians want to see more women in politics, new research has found. The research - conducted by Women for Election, an organisation which provides support and training to women wanting to enter politics - found 69 per cent of people surveyed agreed more diversity in politics would lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Despite representing more than half the population, women are currently under-represented at all levels of Australian government

World News

The gals behind Samoa’s first woman PM

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The gals behind Samoa’s first woman PM

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There are fewer women in politics in the Pacific Islands than in any other part of the world, according to UN Women. But this year Samoa elected a woman as its head of government - only the second Pacific Island nation to do so - thanks in part to a network of women friends who supported her every step of the way.

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There are fewer women in politics in the Pacific Islands than in any other part of the world, according to UN Women. But this year Samoa elected a woman as its head of government - only the second Pacific Island nation to do so - thanks in part to a network of women friends who supported her every step of the way.

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Fiji: women are still under-represented in Parliament

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Fiji: women are still under-represented in Parliament

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Women are still under-represented in Parliament. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar made the remark in her response to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s Parliament opening address. “I emphasise that we, as a people, must take steps to ensure that our women are fully empowered to actively participate in our economy,” Ms Akbar said.

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Women are still under-represented in Parliament. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar made the remark in her response to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s Parliament opening address. “I emphasise that we, as a people, must take steps to ensure that our women are fully empowered to actively participate in our economy,” Ms Akbar said.

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In India, She is a Changemaker programme launched for women in politics

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In India, She is a Changemaker programme launched for women in politics

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched 'She is a Changemaker' programme for women politicians on December 7, 2021. The pan-India capacity building programme has been launched for women representatives at all levels, from gram panchayats to the parliament including political workers and office bearers of national and state-level political parties.

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The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched 'She is a Changemaker' programme for women politicians on December 7, 2021. The pan-India capacity building programme has been launched for women representatives at all levels, from gram panchayats to the parliament including political workers and office bearers of national and state-level political parties.

Bolstering women’s political power: lessons from the EU’s Gender Action Plan II

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December 8, 2021

Bolstering women’s political power: lessons from the EU’s Gender Action Plan II

In December 2020, the European Commission released its third Gender Action Plan (GAP III), which lays out how the European Union should promote gender equality in its external relations over the following five years.

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In December 2020, the European Commission released its third Gender Action Plan (GAP III), which lays out how the European Union should promote gender equality in its external relations over the following five years.

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Women in power: How many European countries have female leaders?

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Women in power: How many European countries have female leaders?

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Magdalena Andersson has become Sweden's first female prime minister. But she is among the minority: there are just five other women leading their countries in the European Union: Finland's Sanna Marin; Estonia's Kaja Kallas; Lithuania's Ingrida Šimonytė; Denmark's Mette Frederiksen and Germany's Angela Merkel.

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Magdalena Andersson has become Sweden's first female prime minister. But she is among the minority: there are just five other women leading their countries in the European Union: Finland's Sanna Marin; Estonia's Kaja Kallas; Lithuania's Ingrida Šimonytė; Denmark's Mette Frederiksen and Germany's Angela Merkel.

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