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Local Government

Local governments are in a unique position to contribute to the global struggle for gender equality by improving the status of women around the world. Local Governments are the level of governance closest to the citizens and as service providers and employers have an important role in creating the conditions that encourage women’s political participation. In this special feature, we are collecting knowledge resources, case studies, stories and interviews from women active in local politics.  

Women in local politics: From formal presence to real influence

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January 14, 2026

Women in local politics: From formal presence to real influence

It is worth repeating that women constitute half of society. Any decision-making without the equal participation of women is truncated and illegitimate from a democratic point of view.

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It is worth repeating that women constitute half of society. Any decision-making without the equal participation of women is truncated and illegitimate from a democratic point of view.

https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2026/jan/03/female-leaders-new-to-politics-eager-for-first-year-in-office/
January 9, 2026
Female leaders new to politics eager for first year in office

In January, three women new to local politics will take leadership positions on Whatcom County Council and at the Port of Bellingham. Each has their own ideas for what they bring to the table.

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https://globalvoices.org/2025/05/31/it-was-the-cow-that-built-your-school-mama-annas-grassroots-revolution-on-mount-meru-tanzania/
July 15, 2025
‘It was the cow that built your school’: Mama Anna’s grassroots revolution on Mount Meru, Tanzania

High on the slopes of Mount Meru, in Tanzania’s

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https://en.ara.cat/politics/council-positions-that-women-rarely-occupy-gender-bias-in-city-councils_1_5412602.html
June 16, 2025
Council positions that women rarely occupy: gender bias in city councils

One of the challenges facing local governments—and institutional politics in general—is reversing the historically negligible presence of women in political parties and administrations.

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In the words of Elise Pereira-Nunes: “What matters is planting seeds for a better future. I take pride in pushing these issues forward and making gender equality a cross-cutting priority in city governance.”

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May 14, 2025

In the words of Elise Pereira-Nunes: “What matters is planting seeds for a better future. I take pride in pushing these issues forward and making gender equality a cross-cutting priority in city governance.”

Elise Pereira Nunes is the Deputy Mayor of Tours (France) for gender equality, international relations and city networks.

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Elise Pereira Nunes is the Deputy Mayor of Tours (France) for gender equality, international relations and city networks.

Council on FR
April 2, 2025
Women This Week: Namibia Inaugurates Its First Woman President

Women Now Hold Top Three Positions in Government 

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Nationa League of Cities
March 28, 2025
Celebrating Women in Municipal Government

In honor of Women’s History Month, the National League of Cities (NLC) reached out to members of the

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International IDEA
February 10, 2025
A Call for Inclusive Governance in Fiji

The National Forum on Women in Politics brought together diverse voices to explore how Temporary Special Measures (TSMs) can foster inclusive governance in Fiji. 

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