Seattle last elected a woman as chief executive in 1926. Bertha Knight Landes was the first woman to lead a major U.S. city, occupying the mayor’s office for two years after having served as president of the City Council.

For 14 years the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has worked in Georgia to increase the political participation of national women leaders from across the political spectrum through the Future Women Leaders (FWL) program. In 2015, NDI expanded its support to build the skills and capacity of women at the local level.

Women in Kyrgyzstan face stark barriers to full political participation. Despite holding 23 seats in parliament, women reside in few leadership positions in parties. For example, Kyrgyzstan law requires that women make up every third name on a party candidate list.

Experts from around the globe have discussed ways to support more women into politics during two significant events hosted by the Commonwealth.

Mehrezia Maïza Labidi chaired many of the plenary sessions that led to the birth of Tunisia’s new constitution, which includes a clause guaranteeing women’s rights.