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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.

The feminine apologetic decoded

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September 14, 2023

The feminine apologetic decoded

Being a logophile, or someone who loves words, my first encounter with the term “Feminine Apologetic” was a fascinating one; I was intrigued at the potential subtext and immediately embarked upon one of my favorite pastimes: research on this interest

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Being a logophile, or someone who loves words, my first encounter with the term “Feminine Apologetic” was a fascinating one; I was intrigued at the potential subtext and immediately embarked upon one of my favorite pastimes: research on this interest

The Politics of Being Unapologetic

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September 14, 2023

The Politics of Being Unapologetic

In a recent prime ministers question, Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy pointed out that no prime minister commenting on Britain’s influence in colonialism has ever apologised but only expressed “sorrow or deep regret” and asked the current PM Rishi Sunak

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In a recent prime ministers question, Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy pointed out that no prime minister commenting on Britain’s influence in colonialism has ever apologised but only expressed “sorrow or deep regret” and asked the current PM Rishi Sunak

Urgent action needed to tackle cyberbullying of women in politics

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September 14, 2023

Urgent action needed to tackle cyberbullying of women in politics

A University of Galway academic, Associate Professor Tom Felle, has called for laws, hefty fines and criminal action to be taken against social media companies who ‘fail to tackle cyber violence against women’.

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A University of Galway academic, Associate Professor Tom Felle, has called for laws, hefty fines and criminal action to be taken against social media companies who ‘fail to tackle cyber violence against women’.

‘Representation of women in politics should increase’

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September 14, 2023

‘Representation of women in politics should increase’

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the representation of women in politics should increase.” I want to draw your attention towards the subject of women’s representation in this House.

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President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the representation of women in politics should increase.” I want to draw your attention towards the subject of women’s representation in this House.

Men must support women in politics, says Sabah minister

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September 14, 2023

Men must support women in politics, says Sabah minister

It is important for men to support women's rights and address the issue of their under-representation, especially in politics.

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It is important for men to support women's rights and address the issue of their under-representation, especially in politics.

Theresa May: If a woman shows emotion she’s seen as weak

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September 13, 2023

Theresa May: If a woman shows emotion she’s seen as weak

Female politicians who show strength are seen as “aggressive harridans” while male counterparts are seen as “brilliant”, according to Theresa May.

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Female politicians who show strength are seen as “aggressive harridans” while male counterparts are seen as “brilliant”, according to Theresa May.

Gender mainstreaming in politics: need for an inclusive and sensitive governance

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September 13, 2023

Gender mainstreaming in politics: need for an inclusive and sensitive governance

Before a gathering of 3,000 women in 1927, Ambedkar said, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” In the ever-evolving

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Before a gathering of 3,000 women in 1927, Ambedkar said, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” In the ever-evolving

Women’s power disparity in public: lecture on gender, authority and rape culture

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September 13, 2023

Women’s power disparity in public: lecture on gender, authority and rape culture

At a lecture Tuesday at the Memorial Union, Bonnie Stabile, associate dean for student and academic affairs and associate professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, spoke on the politics and policy around women

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At a lecture Tuesday at the Memorial Union, Bonnie Stabile, associate dean for student and academic affairs and associate professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, spoke on the politics and policy around women

Climbing the ranks: Australia’s gender equity breakthrough

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September 13, 2023

Climbing the ranks: Australia’s gender equity breakthrough

When Kylea Tink, Member for North Sydney, decried the “unconstructive noise and aggression” in Australia’s Parliament this week, she wasn’t merely venting frustration.

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When Kylea Tink, Member for North Sydney, decried the “unconstructive noise and aggression” in Australia’s Parliament this week, she wasn’t merely venting frustration.

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