women in politics

It is a South African political match made in heaven: a revered black academic, international activist and former freedom fighter – Dr Mamphela Ramphele - joins the rising, but still largely white, main opposition party in South Africa to lead it in polls this year.

The new constitution, seen as one of the most progressive in the region, guarantees equal rights for men and women.

We invite you to read the full article published January 27, 2014

Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete has appointed two women to powerful cabinet positions as the country prepares to enact a new constitution.

 In a move seen by activists as a gesture to promote gender equality, Saada Mkuya becomes the new finance minister, succeeding William Mgimwa who died on New Year’s Day. Mkuya becomes the second woman to head the ministry; Zakia Meghji led it between 2006 and 2008.

Why are there so few women in politics? I think the wrong answer is “well, women don’t care about politics.” I think women are quite political. So why does this gender gap exist?

We invite you to read the full article published January 27, 2014

We are kicking off a big week here at Levo League as it is Women in Politics week! We have an amazing roster of speakers stopping by Office Hours including Marie Wilson and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

In the course of a political career that has lasted over 30 years, Helen Clark only thought of quitting once. With a personal poll rating of just 2% soon after becoming party leader in 1993, she asked a few close friends whether there was any point continuing. "They said, 'You've just got to keep standing there', which was the best advice. If you keep standing, actually very few will come after you."