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Parliaments and Representatives

Democracy and the equal participation of men and women in the political arena are closely intertwined. No parliament or any decision-making body can claim to be representative without the participation of both men and women. As stated in the Universal Declaration on Democracy adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Member Parliaments in 1997, "The achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of the affairs of society in which they work in equality and complementarity, drawing mutual enrichment from their differences."

Recent years have seen a steady increase in the number of women in parliament, though the world average of less than 22 percent remains far from the goal of parity between women and men. The election of women to the highest positions of state and government in several countries has also contributed to the changing face of politics.

While the road to election is a difficult one, the challenges for women do not stop there. Once women enter parliament or other bodies, they are faced with many new challenges. Parliament is traditionally a male-oriented domain where the rules and practices have been written by men. It is, therefore, an ongoing challenge to transform parliament into a gender-sensitive environment, to ensure that actions are gender-sensitive and to guarantee that gender is mainstreamed throughout the legislature.

Three former women presidents talk about the new world order

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November 20, 2023

Three former women presidents talk about the new world order

Góðan daginn from Iceland, where the threat of an imminent volcanic eruption did not deter 500 women leaders from flying to the country for the Reykjavik Global Forum, an annual gathering of wome

Góðan daginn from Iceland, where the threat of an imminent volcanic eruption did not deter 500 women leaders from flying to the country for the Reykjavik Global Forum, an annual gathering of wome

Can there be real representation without reservation?

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November 15, 2023

Can there be real representation without reservation?

This week, the water cooler conversation in courts, chambers and newsrooms like ours has been all about representation, helped along by the headlines after Chief Justice D.Y.

This week, the water cooler conversation in courts, chambers and newsrooms like ours has been all about representation, helped along by the headlines after Chief Justice D.Y.

World News

Where are all Liberia's women in public office?

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Where are all Liberia's women in public office?

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Despite being once heralded for becoming the first African country to elect a woman president, Liberia’s political landscape is sorely lacking in its representation of women.

Despite being once heralded for becoming the first African country to elect a woman president, Liberia’s political landscape is sorely lacking in its representation of women.

‘It’s always a struggle to try to make sure you get the right work-life balance’ – Minister Helen McEntee on juggling politics and two small babies

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November 15, 2023

‘It’s always a struggle to try to make sure you get the right work-life balance’ – Minister Helen McEntee on juggling politics and two small babies

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has opened up about how it can be a “challenge” to raise two children as a cabinet minister and how she sometimes feels “guilty” when she struggles to find a work-l

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has opened up about how it can be a “challenge” to raise two children as a cabinet minister and how she sometimes feels “guilty” when she struggles to find a work-l

World News

Nigeria: NILDS seeks more women representation in parliament

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Nigeria: NILDS seeks more women representation in parliament

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The Director General of the Nigeria Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has urged Nigerian political, traditional and religious leaders to emulate Somalia by electing more women to the National Assembly.

The Director General of the Nigeria Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has urged Nigerian political, traditional and religious leaders to emulate Somalia by electing more women to the National Assembly.

World News

'You're almost afraid to say what you think': Harassment contributing to women in Cork leaving politics

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'You're almost afraid to say what you think': Harassment contributing to women in Cork leaving politics

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AN ELECTED member of Cork County Council, who has announced her intention not to run again, has said she received a death threat and online abuse during her two terms as a councillor.

AN ELECTED member of Cork County Council, who has announced her intention not to run again, has said she received a death threat and online abuse during her two terms as a councillor.

World News

Women aren’t running for office like they used to. The reason makes perfect sense

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Women aren’t running for office like they used to. The reason makes perfect sense

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There is a pervasive narrative “that women are running for office in record numbers,” says Erin Loos Cutraro. “People hold onto that. They think it’s still true today.”

Except it’s not.

There is a pervasive narrative “that women are running for office in record numbers,” says Erin Loos Cutraro. “People hold onto that. They think it’s still true today.”

Except it’s not.

World News

City in Kyoto Prefecture elects youngest female mayor in Japan

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City in Kyoto Prefecture elects youngest female mayor in Japan

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Despite lacking ties to this city and being described as a poor public speaker, a former social worker won an election here to become the youngest female mayor in Japan.

Shoko Kawata, 33, bested two other candidates on Nov. 12 to win the mayoral election in Yawata, a city of about 70,000 residents south of the ancient capital of Kyoto.

Despite lacking ties to this city and being described as a poor public speaker, a former social worker won an election here to become the youngest female mayor in Japan.

Shoko Kawata, 33, bested two other candidates on Nov. 12 to win the mayoral election in Yawata, a city of about 70,000 residents south of the ancient capital of Kyoto.

On Women’s Reservation Bill, one step forward, two steps back

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November 13, 2023

On Women’s Reservation Bill, one step forward, two steps back

The legislative journey of the Women’s Reservation Bill began nearly three decades ago, in September 1996, when it was first introduced in Parliament.

The legislative journey of the Women’s Reservation Bill began nearly three decades ago, in September 1996, when it was first introduced in Parliament.