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.
Women in Swiss parliament are now allowed to show their shoulders and arms after the Council of States relaxed its clothing regulations for women.
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.
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.
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.
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
It has been an unrelenting and rough year.
By Jane Dudman,
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.”
