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Women in Politics: ‘The truth is none of us ever feel completely ready’

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October 20, 2025

Women in Politics: ‘The truth is none of us ever feel completely ready’

As part of Xpress‘ annual Women in Business issue, we reached out to elected officials and municipal leaders seeking their stories about influential role models, lived experiences and obstacles they’ve faced.

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As part of Xpress‘ annual Women in Business issue, we reached out to elected officials and municipal leaders seeking their stories about influential role models, lived experiences and obstacles they’ve faced.

Women in politics frequently have to prove themselves as more competent than average, while also facing disproportionate criticism if they make mistakes.” - Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea

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July 16, 2025

Women in politics frequently have to prove themselves as more competent than average, while also facing disproportionate criticism if they make mistakes.” - Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea

Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea is a Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Goods and Policies at the Spanish National Research Council.

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Amalia Alvarez-Benjumea is a Ramón y Cajal Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Goods and Policies at the Spanish National Research Council.

“Media have the power to reshape narratives and help society see the collective benefit of having women in leadership” - in the words of Abosede George-Ogan

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July 16, 2025

“Media have the power to reshape narratives and help society see the collective benefit of having women in leadership” - in the words of Abosede George-Ogan

Abosede George-Ogan is the Founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network in Nigeria and a seasoned development professional with over 20 years of experience across the non-profit, private, and public sectors.

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Abosede George-Ogan is the Founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network in Nigeria and a seasoned development professional with over 20 years of experience across the non-profit, private, and public sectors.

Take Five: Sonia Palmieri : “Women need a support network of like-minded politicians to help navigate these challenges, because facing delegitimization alone can be disheartening and may even push women to leave politics altogether.”

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June 30, 2025

Take Five: Sonia Palmieri : “Women need a support network of like-minded politicians to help navigate these challenges, because facing delegitimization alone can be disheartening and may even push women to leave politics altogether.”

Sonia Palmieri is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pacific Affairs in the College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University.

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Sonia Palmieri is Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pacific Affairs in the College of Asia and the Pacific, The Australian National University.

In the words of Emma Muteka: “My age, gender and marital status were scrutinized, because they thought that if I don’t have children and therefore do not run a household, how could I actually run an office?”

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June 30, 2025

In the words of Emma Muteka: “My age, gender and marital status were scrutinized, because they thought that if I don’t have children and therefore do not run a household, how could I actually run an office?”

Emma Muteka is currently the youngest Regional Councillor in Namibia and a member of Parliament.

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Emma Muteka is currently the youngest Regional Councillor in Namibia and a member of Parliament.

In the words of Elise Pereira-Nunes: “What matters is planting seeds for a better future. I take pride in pushing these issues forward and making gender equality a cross-cutting priority in city governance.”

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May 14, 2025

In the words of Elise Pereira-Nunes: “What matters is planting seeds for a better future. I take pride in pushing these issues forward and making gender equality a cross-cutting priority in city governance.”

Elise Pereira Nunes is the Deputy Mayor of Tours (France) for gender equality, international relations and city networks.

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Elise Pereira Nunes is the Deputy Mayor of Tours (France) for gender equality, international relations and city networks.

“Women’s voices are often challenged, and deliberate obstacles—like financial constraints and exclusion from political networks—make it harder for them to participate” Naila Kabeer, Professor Emerita, London School of Economics and Political Science

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May 9, 2025

“Women’s voices are often challenged, and deliberate obstacles—like financial constraints and exclusion from political networks—make it harder for them to participate” Naila Kabeer, Professor Emerita, London School of Economics and Political Science

Naila Kabeer is a Professor Emerita in Gender and International Development at the Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science.

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Naila Kabeer is a Professor Emerita in Gender and International Development at the Department of International Development, London School of Economics and Political Science.

Challenging institutional gatekeeping for gender equality: a conversation with Jennifer Piscopo, Professor of Gender and Politics and Director of the Gender Institute at Royal Holloway, University of London

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April 23, 2025

Challenging institutional gatekeeping for gender equality: a conversation with Jennifer Piscopo, Professor of Gender and Politics and Director of the Gender Institute at Royal Holloway, University of London

Jennifer M. Piscopo is a Professor of Gender and Politics and Director of the Gender Institute at Royal Holloway, University of London.

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Jennifer M. Piscopo is a Professor of Gender and Politics and Director of the Gender Institute at Royal Holloway, University of London.

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