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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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COVID-19 presents crucial moment for gender diversity in Japan

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October 1, 2020

COVID-19 presents crucial moment for gender diversity in Japan

In a world of uncertainty triggered by the global coronavirus pandemic, it is important now more than ever to not only maintain but to expand gender diversity in the business and political worlds, especially in Japan.

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In a world of uncertainty triggered by the global coronavirus pandemic, it is important now more than ever to not only maintain but to expand gender diversity in the business and political worlds, especially in Japan.

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Women and COVID-19: five things governments can do now

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Women and COVID-19: five things governments can do now

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While the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 on all are severe, they are more so for women. Many industries directly affected by quarantines– travel, tourism, restaurants, food production – have very high female labour force participation.

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While the economic and social impacts of COVID-19 on all are severe, they are more so for women. Many industries directly affected by quarantines– travel, tourism, restaurants, food production – have very high female labour force participation.

How Diane Abbott fought racism – and her own party – to become Britain’s first black female MP

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October 1, 2020

How Diane Abbott fought racism – and her own party – to become Britain’s first black female MP

The 1987 election campaign was the first time the Labour party had fielded so many black and Asian candidates. Yet Diane Abbott got the impression that “the national party thought we were an embarrassment”.

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The 1987 election campaign was the first time the Labour party had fielded so many black and Asian candidates. Yet Diane Abbott got the impression that “the national party thought we were an embarrassment”.

The 1975 Women in Politics Conference

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September 30, 2020

The 1975 Women in Politics Conference

In 1973 Elizabeth Reid became the first ever women’s adviser to a national leader, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. She went on to have a distinguished and influential career at the UN.

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In 1973 Elizabeth Reid became the first ever women’s adviser to a national leader, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam. She went on to have a distinguished and influential career at the UN.

Building gender-equal democracies requires both political representation and economic justice

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September 30, 2020

Building gender-equal democracies requires both political representation and economic justice

By Saskia Brechenmacher,

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By Saskia Brechenmacher,

Why we must fight to secure places for more women and young people in politics

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September 30, 2020

Why we must fight to secure places for more women and young people in politics

The Kenyan political system is in crisis.

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The Kenyan political system is in crisis.

World News

Tlaib joins call for govt action to end violence against women in politics

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Tlaib joins call for govt action to end violence against women in politics

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A group of Democratic U.S. House members have introduced a resolution that reads violence against women in politics is “a global phenomenon and that more research should be conducted to examine its extent and effects in the United States.”

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A group of Democratic U.S. House members have introduced a resolution that reads violence against women in politics is “a global phenomenon and that more research should be conducted to examine its extent and effects in the United States.”

World News

Death threats aimed at Dr. Bonnie Henry mirror contempt faced by female leaders, experts say

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Death threats aimed at Dr. Bonnie Henry mirror contempt faced by female leaders, experts say

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The revelation that B.C.'s provincial health officer has received death threats comes as no surprise to some women leaders who say this kind of abuse is a widespread problem.

Dr. Bonnie Henry has been praised for her "kind, calm and safe" approach to managing B.C.'s COVID-19 response, but on Tuesday, she said she's faced attacks behind the scenes, ranging from critique of her shoes to her public health orders.

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The revelation that B.C.'s provincial health officer has received death threats comes as no surprise to some women leaders who say this kind of abuse is a widespread problem.

Dr. Bonnie Henry has been praised for her "kind, calm and safe" approach to managing B.C.'s COVID-19 response, but on Tuesday, she said she's faced attacks behind the scenes, ranging from critique of her shoes to her public health orders.

World News

Togo appoints its first woman Prime Minister

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Togo appoints its first woman Prime Minister

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Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe on Monday named the first-ever female prime minister to head the government in the West African nation.

Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, 60, replaces Komi Selom Klassou, who resigned on Friday.

A close ally of the president, she has served as his chief-of-staff since 2009 and held several ministerial positions since 2008, including recently that of development minister, and also chief of staff of the president's office.

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Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe on Monday named the first-ever female prime minister to head the government in the West African nation.

Victoire Tomegah Dogbe, 60, replaces Komi Selom Klassou, who resigned on Friday.

A close ally of the president, she has served as his chief-of-staff since 2009 and held several ministerial positions since 2008, including recently that of development minister, and also chief of staff of the president's office.

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