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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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Balkan Blog: Women's political representation or real political power?

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January 6, 2021

Balkan Blog: Women's political representation or real political power?

Central and Southeast Europe now accounts for a third of the tiny number of states worldwide that have gender-balanced cabinets — but higher female representation in politics doesn’t necessarily equate to women holding real power.

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Central and Southeast Europe now accounts for a third of the tiny number of states worldwide that have gender-balanced cabinets — but higher female representation in politics doesn’t necessarily equate to women holding real power.

Research: Women are better leaders during a crisis

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January 6, 2021

Research: Women are better leaders during a crisis

Summary: There has been a lot said about how women have done a better job leading during the Covid-19 crisis than men.

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Summary: There has been a lot said about how women have done a better job leading during the Covid-19 crisis than men.

January 6, 2021
Launch of the first women leaders’ dialogue in Central Asia

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan -- A prominent group of women leaders representing the Central Asian states and the United Nations launched a new platform, the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus, today to support women in the region to attain a more p

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December 30, 2020
Constitution review: Female legislators unite on inclusion of women’s rights

Female legislators in the National Assembly have formed a team to lobby their male colleagues for the purpose of ensuring the inclusion of women’s rights in the nation’s constitution.

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December 30, 2020
Switzerland rolls back ‘antiquated’ ban on women showing their shoulders in parliament

Women in Swiss parliament are now allowed to show their shoulders and arms after the Council of States relaxed its clothing regulations for women.

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The 2020 list of the world’s most powerful women: How will female leaders fare post-pandemic?

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December 30, 2020

The 2020 list of the world’s most powerful women: How will female leaders fare post-pandemic?

By Moira Forbes,

As the world wrestles with a series of converging crises catalyzed by Covid-19, this year has been a reminder of how ephemeral and volatile power can be, how much of it is at play, where systemic imbalances exist, and how quickly shifts can unfold.

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By Moira Forbes,

As the world wrestles with a series of converging crises catalyzed by Covid-19, this year has been a reminder of how ephemeral and volatile power can be, how much of it is at play, where systemic imbalances exist, and how quickly shifts can unfold.

December 30, 2020
Meet 13 female health ministers in Africa leading fight against Covid-19 pandemic

Across the world, the Coronavirus has not only become another disaster to wipe us all out of the earth but has also put the spotlight on the level of competence of our political leaders.

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How female Prime Ministers are leading in this time of crisis

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December 30, 2020

How female Prime Ministers are leading in this time of crisis

Who’d have thought to throw a press conference for kids? Only in Norway it appears. Earlier this week, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg decided to hold a press conference on the coronavirus just for kids and children’s media.

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Who’d have thought to throw a press conference for kids? Only in Norway it appears. Earlier this week, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg decided to hold a press conference on the coronavirus just for kids and children’s media.

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