Prime minister appoints Maori as first woman foreign minister and offers Greens two posts.

Jacinda Ardern has appointed the most diverse cabinet in New Zealand’s history, with indigenous Maori ministers making up a quarter of its 20-strong members, women taking eight posts and the nomination of a gay deputy prime minister.

UNDP and Sweden support awareness-raising among first-time voters.

The upcoming parliamentary elections offer Georgia a chance to vote more women into office, overcoming a long-standing gender disparity in political representation. In support of greater openness to women in politics, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Sweden are assisting civil society activists in Georgia’s regions to educate first-time voters about democratic elections and gender equality.

Women's rights groups, prominent businesswomen and female politicians in Somalia are urging the country's male-dominated parliament to pass a bill reserving 30 per cent of seats for women in next year's general election.

Women hold 24 per cent of the 329 seats in Somalia's lower and upper houses of parliament, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), up from 14 per cent in the previous election.

The first woman to run for president of the United States was unable to vote, too young to be elected, ignored by her chosen running mate, and ultimately thrown into prison on election day.

Yet Victoria Woodhull, a thrice-married mother of two, was not someone to be easily dissuaded.

Traditional and religious leaders have been advised to take the leading role in ensuring that more women in their communities participate in the political process and leadership positions in Tanzania.

The call was made over the weekend in Dar es Salaam by Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA) Executive Director, Dr Rose Reuben during a meeting with religious and traditional leaders from 17 regions of Tanzania.

Dr Reuben said religious and traditional leaders are gatekeepers of certain traditions as well as norms that are drivers of gender inequality.