Partner News

On 11 March 2014, the publicationPolitical Parties in Africa through a Gender Lens was launched at an International IDEA side event on“Women’s Political Participation and Representation – Making Development Sustainable, Making Governance Responsive” at the United Nations Headquarters, during the 58^th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

Violence against women in politics is rampant in South Asia according to a new study conducted by the Centre for Social Research and UN Women. The study, ‘Violence against Women in Politics’ revealed that the insufficient implementation of laws, lack of support from police and judiciary, the socio-economic divide and current power structures are the major reasons for violence.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, where women hold just 23 percent of the seats in national parliaments and there are only three women heads of state, Catherine Samba-Panza, president of the Central African Republic (CAR), is an inspirational figure. Her position as the first female president of a Francophone country is a powerful symbol for African women, showing they can succeed even in countries where armed conflict, corruption and inequality have been the norm.

A recent discussion at the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women initiated by UNDP and partners highlighted what an asset grass-roots women’s organisations can be in the fight against corruption in their communities. The discussion was based on country stories about how women-led strategies strengthened transparency and accountability, leading to prevention of corruption.

IPU is deeply concerned by the shooting of Afghan MP Mariam Koofi, the latest in a string of attacks on parliamentarians in Afghanistan, particularly women legislators.

Koofi, the sister of fellow MP and human rights activist Fawzia Koofi, was wounded on 15th April whilst leaving her office and is now recovering in a Kabul hospital.

Fawzia Koofi, suffered a similar attack in 2010 while travelling with her two teenage daughters.

The purpose of this booklet is to support the Vietnamese partners of the UNDP and Ministry of Foreign Affair’s project Women’s Leadership by providing information and guidance on an effective approach to build the capacity of potential women leaders.  It can be used by academic institutions, civil society organizations or the administrative government.  Examples provided in the booklet come from a variety of sectors and countries including Viet Nam.