In the run-up to Nigeria’s general election, starting this Saturday, more and more organisations are trying to turn the tide and get more women into elective positions.

Lois Auta’s foray into Nigeria’s male-dominated political space was, for her, a necessity.

Women are gaining ground in politics around the world. Last year, the so-called “pink wave” saw a record number of women elected to Congressin the US’s mid-term elections. There are signs of progress in Africa, too.

By Maggie Astor,

In the words of her detractors during the 2016 presidential race, Hillary Clinton was abrasive and shrill. She was aloof. She was unlikable.

It’s not a coincidence that some of these adjectives are now bubbling up in discussions of Senators Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand and Kamala Harris as they campaign for the 2020 Democratic nomination.

The newly elected Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon (AWW) Constituency, Ms Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has advised Ghanaian women not to shun politics despite the challenges of insults, name calling and denigration that they have to go through when they enter into mainstream politics.“Women (by the role they play in society) have a lot to contribute to nation building and it is time for all women to support each other in this enterprise,” she stated.

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Shakti, a non-partisan collective for women in politics, has been doing several campaigns to push for more women candidates.

When Bolanle Aliyu decided to run for governor of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, even her husband was initially reluctant to support her.

A female lawmaker who attended a swearing-in ceremony in a business suit accentuating her breasts is causing a furor in Brazil — a deeply conflicted country that recently elected an ultra-conservative president but is also known for skimpy swimsuits and exuberant celebrations during Carnival.

The controversy began when Ana Paula da Silva, from the southern state of Santa Catarina, showed up to the Feb. 1 ceremony in a tight, two-piece red pantsuit that showed deep cleavage.