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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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December 30, 2020
No 10's Covid press briefings led exclusively by men for past six months

Downing Street has not used a female minister to lead its coronavirus press conference for more than six months, a tally by the Guardian has found, prompting accusations that Boris Johnson does not value the women in his t

Now’s our chance: After a tumultuous 2020, women leaders share 8 ways to rebuild a better world

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December 30, 2020

Now’s our chance: After a tumultuous 2020, women leaders share 8 ways to rebuild a better world

Let’s normalize women’s leadership

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December 30, 2020

Let’s normalize women’s leadership

In her speech after being declared vice president-elect, Kamala Harris repeated something her mother Shyamala said: “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.”

In her speech after being declared vice president-elect, Kamala Harris repeated something her mother Shyamala said: “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.”

December 28, 2020
Women on the frontlines of Thailand’s democracy movement

Denouncing sexual violence, demanding abortion reform and destigmatising sex work –- once-taboo issues are finding public expression in Thailand as women take up leadership roles in a youth-led pro-democracy movement.

December 28, 2020
COVID-19: How male and female leaders differ in their political discourse

In situations of crisis, language and communication matter — particularly at the highest levels of political leadership. But do men and women use language differently when they are in positions of power?

December 23, 2020
Central African women and girls march for peaceful elections

Hundreds of women peacefully marched through the main streets of the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui today to demand for inclusive, violence-free elections.

The proportion of women in Finnish municipality councils lags behind national level

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December 23, 2020

The proportion of women in Finnish municipality councils lags behind national level

The good experiences and practices in women’s political participation in Finland, which is known for gender equality, are followed with an interest in Demo Finland’s programme countries.

The good experiences and practices in women’s political participation in Finland, which is known for gender equality, are followed with an interest in Demo Finland’s programme countries.

December 18, 2020
Japan councilwomen says ouster shows gender bias in politics

A councilwoman who was ousted from the town assembly in a famous Japanese hot springs resort after accusing the mayor of sexual assault said Friday her case highlights the problems of male-dominated small town politics in which women are often silenced.