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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.

April 8, 2022
Senate confirms Jackson as first Black woman on U.S. Supreme Court

WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court in a milestone for the United States and a victory for President Joe Biden, who made good on a campaign promise as he seeks to infuse the federal ju

Nagaland women shine in all spheres, but find little space in politics

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April 8, 2022

Nagaland women shine in all spheres, but find little space in politics

It took Nagaland 45 years to elect its second woman parliamentarian, and the state is yet to elect any woman in the 60-member Assembly.

It took Nagaland 45 years to elect its second woman parliamentarian, and the state is yet to elect any woman in the 60-member Assembly.

April 7, 2022
Glasgow politician "followed" to car by councillor who "wanted to touch and hug" had to call police

Councillor Rhiannon Spear shared her experience as women from across the political parties called for an end to the 'toxic' atmosphere in politics, which causes many female councillors to step down.

"This is misogyny": The growing abuse facing women in Montenegrin politics

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April 6, 2022

"This is misogyny": The growing abuse facing women in Montenegrin politics

On both sides of Montenegro’s ideological divide, women politicians face sexism, abuse, and discrimination on a daily basis. And experts say it’s only getting worse.

On both sides of Montenegro’s ideological divide, women politicians face sexism, abuse, and discrimination on a daily basis. And experts say it’s only getting worse.

From "pretty communist" to '"Jabcinda": What’s behind the vitriol directed at Jacinda Ardern?

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April 5, 2022

From "pretty communist" to '"Jabcinda": What’s behind the vitriol directed at Jacinda Ardern?

With recent polling showing National edging ahead of Labour for the first time in two years, Jacinda Ardern’s previously strong support has

With recent polling showing National edging ahead of Labour for the first time in two years, Jacinda Ardern’s previously strong support has

Zimbabwe: By-elections highlight low representation of women in politics

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April 5, 2022

Zimbabwe: By-elections highlight low representation of women in politics

The March 26 by elections ended on a high note, amid reports that there were no reported cases of violence at all polling stations across Zimbabwe.

The March 26 by elections ended on a high note, amid reports that there were no reported cases of violence at all polling stations across Zimbabwe.

April 4, 2022
Misogyny in New Zealand’s politics: "We still have work to do", Ardern

There is still work to do across the political divide to address misogyny in politics, the prime minister says.

April 4, 2022
New Zealand: "Relentless" abuse against women MPs on the rise

A rising tide of “deeply sexist” abuse and threats against women MPs is part of a concerted effort to push them out of public office, an expert says.

No kiss, no vote: Survey shows female politicians in Japan victims of sexual harassment

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April 4, 2022

No kiss, no vote: Survey shows female politicians in Japan victims of sexual harassment

A survey on politicians in Japan has shown that many former and current female national legislators and local assembly members have been subject to sexual harassment.

A survey on politicians in Japan has shown that many former and current female national legislators and local assembly members have been subject to sexual harassment.