As African countries push for respect and promotion of gender equality, political will is key to accelerate attainment of gender equality on the continent.

Whatever the outcome of Iraq's May 12 parliamentary elections, female candidates are guaranteed at least 25% of the seats, as per the country's constitution.

Five women are among the names floated to lead a transitional government in Italy in what some speculate could be President Sergio Mattarella’s attempt to break with tradition while the

National Electoral Commission, INEC, has bemoaned the inadequate representation of women in political offices, pointing out that in spite of the numerical strength of women, they are not adequately represented.