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Parliaments and Representatives

Democracy and the equal participation of men and women in the political arena are closely intertwined. No parliament or any decision-making body can claim to be representative without the participation of both men and women. As stated in the Universal Declaration on Democracy adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Member Parliaments in 1997, "The achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of the affairs of society in which they work in equality and complementarity, drawing mutual enrichment from their differences."

Recent years have seen a steady increase in the number of women in parliament, though the world average of less than 22 percent remains far from the goal of parity between women and men. The election of women to the highest positions of state and government in several countries has also contributed to the changing face of politics.

While the road to election is a difficult one, the challenges for women do not stop there. Once women enter parliament or other bodies, they are faced with many new challenges. Parliament is traditionally a male-oriented domain where the rules and practices have been written by men. It is, therefore, an ongoing challenge to transform parliament into a gender-sensitive environment, to ensure that actions are gender-sensitive and to guarantee that gender is mainstreamed throughout the legislature.

World News

1 in 6 Congresswomen Targeted by AI-Generated Sexually Explicit Deepfakes

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1 in 6 Congresswomen Targeted by AI-Generated Sexually Explicit Deepfakes

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More than two dozen members of Congress have been the victims of sexually explicit deepfakes — and an overwhelming majority of those impacted are women, according to a new study that spotlights the stark gender disparity in this technology and the evolving risks for women’s participation in politics and other forms of civic engagement.

More than two dozen members of Congress have been the victims of sexually explicit deepfakes — and an overwhelming majority of those impacted are women, according to a new study that spotlights the stark gender disparity in this technology and the evolving risks for women’s participation in politics and other forms of civic engagement.

Ghana’s election system keeps women out of parliament. How to change that ?

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December 11, 2024

Ghana’s election system keeps women out of parliament. How to change that ?

Voters in Ghana elected the country’s first woman vice president, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, in early December 202

Voters in Ghana elected the country’s first woman vice president, Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, in early December 202

Why are female politicians more often targeted with violence? New findings confirm depressing suspicions

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November 27, 2024

Why are female politicians more often targeted with violence? New findings confirm depressing suspicions

Despite some progress, women remain seriously underrepresented in politics globally.

Despite some progress, women remain seriously underrepresented in politics globally.

Women, not men, are major hindrance to women’s political breakthrough

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November 22, 2024

Women, not men, are major hindrance to women’s political breakthrough

The politician spoke at a one-day high level multi-stakeholder’s roundtable on enhancing women’s political participation in Nigeria.

The politician spoke at a one-day high level multi-stakeholder’s roundtable on enhancing women’s political participation in Nigeria.

World News

Nigeria ranks lowest among Sub-Saharan African countries in women’s representation in parliament

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Nigeria ranks lowest among Sub-Saharan African countries in women’s representation in parliament

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As more African nations seek to encourage gender parity in government positions, some African countries are struggling to fully integrate women into the political sphere.

As more African nations seek to encourage gender parity in government positions, some African countries are struggling to fully integrate women into the political sphere.

‘Nigeria Among Lowest Globally In Women’s Political Representation‘

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November 18, 2024

‘Nigeria Among Lowest Globally In Women’s Political Representation‘

Stakeholders have raised concerns about the critical state of women’s political participation in Nigeria.

Stakeholders have raised concerns about the critical state of women’s political participation in Nigeria.

World News

New study reveals barriers to Gambian women’s participation in politics

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New study reveals barriers to Gambian women’s participation in politics

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At the Bakadaji Hotel in Bijilo yesterday, November 13, the Centre’s Executive Director Sait Matty Jaw presented a study report that sheds light on the deep-rooted cultural norms and societal pressures that hinder women’s participation in public and political life, alongside significant challenges facing youth.

In his presentation, Mr Jaw highlighted that societal expectations often limit women to traditional domestic roles, discouraging them from entering political spheres.

At the Bakadaji Hotel in Bijilo yesterday, November 13, the Centre’s Executive Director Sait Matty Jaw presented a study report that sheds light on the deep-rooted cultural norms and societal pressures that hinder women’s participation in public and political life, alongside significant challenges facing youth.

In his presentation, Mr Jaw highlighted that societal expectations often limit women to traditional domestic roles, discouraging them from entering political spheres.