The government has rejected all six proposals to give parliament more equal female representation, prepared by the Commons’ women and equalities committee, including fines for parties that do not select enough women as candidates. 

Nirmala Sitharman said her appointment sent a "big message to the world of what's the status of women in India... This country will never stop promoting women". 

This year has brought with it a wave of women interested in running for office, particularly among Democrats. And though Republicans have seen less of a wave, Congress has gained one GOP woman already this year: Georgia's Karen Handel. 

Women in Mutare have added their voices on the growing calls for women to register and vote for female candidates in the forthcoming elections.

The deputy prime minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata'afa says the uncertainty associated with running for office deters Pacific women from entering politics.