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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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June 11, 2021
Lack of party support and money, plus racism and sexism, mean Black women often lose statewide elections

Research has found it is smart to invest in the candidacies of Black women. But one expert says because of their loyalty to the Democratic Party, in particular, there's less incentive to court them.

June 7, 2021
Control over family wealth among Meghalaya women increases political activity, study finds

By Rachel Brule and 

June 2, 2021
'The colour doesn't matter': N.B. municipalities elect more women, first Black mayor in historic election

FREDERICTON -- Kassim Doumbia says he always wanted to get involved and be active in his community. He moved to Shippagan 14 years ago, and has spent the last nine years on the town’s council.

May 14, 2021
‘A game-changing moment’: Chile constitution could set new gender equality standard

Chileans to elect 155-strong assembly made up of equivalent men and women to set out new framework and enshrine equal rights

Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman, the only rape victim from Kosovo's 1990s war to have spoken out publicly, was among a record intake of women MPs elected to Kosovo's parliament this year Armend NIMANI AFP
May 7, 2021
'Arena of men': The Kosovo women taking on the patriarchy

The rape of Vasfije Krasniqi-Goodman was one of thousands during Kosovo's 1990s war, but she is still the only victim to have spoken out publicly and now is pushing for a radical shake-up of a society long dominated by men.