Campaigns

When the global face to climate action is Greta Thunberg, it can appear that women and girls are well represented at the top table. As the U.K. opens the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, the lack of women’s senior leadership in climate negotiations has been raised as an issue of concern by activists.

With the election campaign for the Shura Council is nearing its end, the women candidates seem very confident to secure seats as since the beginning of election campaign only two women have withdrawn, compared to the withdrawal of 53 male candidates.

After the withdrawal of these candidates, 229 candidates including 26 women are now vying for 30 seats from as many constituencies. Most of the women candidates — five— are in the Constituency No. 22.

Somalia is halving the registration fees for women candidates to encourage more participation in the upcoming elections.

Last week, the National Consultative Council, an organ created with representation from the Prime Minister and five federal states, finally fixed a definite timeline for elections that will culminate in presidential polls on October 10.

The Constitution and legal system of Bosnia and Herzegovina stipulate equality between women and men. However, gender inequalities are found across all social domains. Women are still underrepresented in politics, and particularly so in top positions and elected offices. When a country has a higher representation of women in politics, the effects are multi-fold, resulting in tangible benefits for democracy. Women play a key role in peacebuilding and their work, engagement and contributions to society should be in the spotlight.

When Liuba Grechen Shirley ran for New York’s 2nd Congressional District in 2018, the Democratic mom of two had no clue about the barriers she would face on the campaign trail.