Welcome to the first installment of the new "International Election Series," where they explore the vital role women play in shaping democratic processes around the world.

Here we are in another presidential election year.

There are calls for more support for Pacific women to get into politics, while also recognising cultural leadership roles.

In the final days of her election campaign, Cathy Nori considered giving up.

THE HON JULIA GILLARD AC, HOST: Katy, it's not politics that brought you to Canberra, you were born and raised there, like no one's born and raised in Canberra. Can you tell me about that?

Colorado has consistently ranked highly for the number of women holding elected office for the last few decades. Colorado currently ranks second in the nation for the number of women elected to the state legislature.