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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.  

The matai system and women in politics

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July 26, 2024

The matai system and women in politics

The Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Masipau made a bold statement about why he thinks gender inequality exists in politics. He views the matai system and customs as prohibiting women from traditional governance impacting their chances to run for office.

The Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Masipau made a bold statement about why he thinks gender inequality exists in politics. He views the matai system and customs as prohibiting women from traditional governance impacting their chances to run for office.

Business Tech
July 25, 2024
The two women who could save South Africa’s economy

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Transnet CEO Michelle Phillips will be critical in changing the direction of South Africa’s economy.

The Christian Science Monitor
July 11, 2024
Tokyo’s female governor keeps winning: What it means for Japan’s male-dominated politics

The first woman governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, has won a third term – against another woman candidate. The race between multiple women signifies a push for greater female representation in Japanese politics, which is still overwhelmingly dominated by men.

UN Women
July 9, 2024
Advancing Gender Equality in Governance: Kosovo* and Albania Collaborate for EU Integration through EU-Funded Gender Equality Facility

UN Women, in partnership with the Ministry of Local Administration Governance and the Agency for Gender Equality within the Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, under the European Union-funded “Gender Equality Project”, on June 2024, organized an exchange

As the UK’s first female Chancellor, will Rachel Reeves be a game changer for women in politics?

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July 8, 2024

As the UK’s first female Chancellor, will Rachel Reeves be a game changer for women in politics?

Another election, another round of politicians who tout the same ideas, speak the same way, wear the same suits and, possibly, the same aftershave.

Another election, another round of politicians who tout the same ideas, speak the same way, wear the same suits and, possibly, the same aftershave.

Gender quotas must be introduced in local government in order to achieve equality

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June 23, 2024

Gender quotas must be introduced in local government in order to achieve equality

The recent local elections are a real-time example of why we need gender quotas. 

The recent local elections are a real-time example of why we need gender quotas. 

Women leaders remain scarce in Thai local politics. What can be done?

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June 19, 2024

Women leaders remain scarce in Thai local politics. What can be done?

According to a report by UN Women, as of January 2023, Thai women held only 20

According to a report by UN Women, as of January 2023, Thai women held only 20

USA: Women's Status in 2024 State Level Elections

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May 29, 2024

USA: Women's Status in 2024 State Level Elections

RTE
May 21, 2024
Ireland: record number of women set to contest June's local elections

A record number of women candidates are expected to run in June's local elections.

So far, 649 women have been selected or declared for the contests.