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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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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.

September 29, 2020
Tlaib joins call for govt action to end violence against women in politics

A group of Democratic U.S.

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September 29, 2020
Death threats aimed at Dr. Bonnie Henry mirror contempt faced by female leaders, experts say

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.

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September 29, 2020
Togo appoints its first woman Prime Minister

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.

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Failing to add women could cause Kenya to shutter Parliament

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September 28, 2020

Failing to add women could cause Kenya to shutter Parliament

Kenya faces a historic decision to close parliament for failing to enact rules on fair gender representation in public bodies.

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Kenya faces a historic decision to close parliament for failing to enact rules on fair gender representation in public bodies.

Attitudes towards women’s political participation in Solomon Islands

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September 28, 2020

Attitudes towards women’s political participation in Solomon Islands

A total of 26 women stood as candidates at the 2019 Solomon Islands national general election and, for the first time since independence, two women won seats in the national parliament.

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A total of 26 women stood as candidates at the 2019 Solomon Islands national general election and, for the first time since independence, two women won seats in the national parliament.

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