USAID’s Post

Why are so few women in political leadership? Is it due to systemic barriers, lack of representation, or unconscious biases? Whatever the reason, it's clear that we need more diverse voices in decision-making positions. #WomenInLeadership #PoliticalLeadership

It just so happens that my birthday falls on the same day as the International Day of Democracy. 2024 is an extremely busy year in terms of elections and renewal of democratic institutions all around the world, including for the European Union. However, women's participation in political leadership remains nowhere close to equal in many countries. In the EU, there have been plenty of discussions around the gender balance in the upcoming College of Commissioners. As a young woman, it is quite disheartening to see that most Member States proposed male candidates for appointment: is it really so hard to find women who are just as qualified as men? And if so, shouldn't that lead countries to have a serious reflection on the barriers that are preventing women from becoming active in politics so that we can effectively counter them? The problem is deeper than what it might appear and the real issue is rooted in gender stereotypes and gender-based violence, not to mention unequal access to financial resources. We still have a long road ahead of us to reaching actual equality, and what is equality if not having equally qualified people from any gender competing for the same job?

While the number of women in politics is definitely growing, we are still far from achieving equality in this aspect, and that's because politics is not a welcoming place for a woman. I certainly experienced it myself. Although there are many reasons for it, one of them is money 💸. I explored this topic in an article I wrote with Francesca Romana D'Antuono, Co-President of Volt Europa (who is also not foreign to the hardships of being a woman in politics), which we published last year as part of the CEEHer initiative by GLOBSEC. Here is the link in case you're interested: https://lnkd.in/dgJciNpq. Let us know what you think!

CLAFG is the Geneva reference for actions aimed at strengthening the role of women in politics. In Geneva, we firmly believe that women's political participation is essential for a truly representative democracy. This is why we are thrilled to announce that soon, we will be launching the first Leadership Academy in politics and diplomacy. This unique space will aim to train and support the next generation of women leaders in Geneva and beyond. Stay tuned for more information on this innovative initiative! #WomenLeadership #Politics #Diplomacy #CLAFG #LeadershipAcademy #WomenInPolitics

Q: What percentage of female representation is there among all levels of government in Indiana? A: 17% Women make up 52% of Indiana’s population. There is a 1:7 gap between population and and female representation. It isn’t enough to tell women to do better at school, or to just… “lead”. They already are. Women’s educational levels have surpassed that of men. Women ARE leading from behind. They’re just not getting credit or getting paid for it.

🌍 Why are so few women in political leadership? Despite significant advancements in gender equality, women are still underrepresented in political positions worldwide. Currently, (now here is a shocking stat) only 27 countries have a female leader, and a staggering 107 nations have never had a woman serve as Head of State. The inclusivity of women in political decision-making is essential for a healthy and representative democracy. Their perspectives and leadership styles bring invaluable insights, helping address diverse issues and priorities that affect all citizens. On this #DemocracyDay, let’s explore the barriers women face in politics and how we can work together to close the gender gap in political leadership. Read more about this important topic here: Why are so few women in political leadership? #WomenInLeadership #GenderEquality #PoliticalParticipation #Democracy #Leadership #womenempowerment

Despite a handful of high-profile women in political leadership here in Europe, political parties and governments still have too few women in charge. There are many steps in the journey to encourage more women to become active in politics, run for office, govern effectively and motivate other women to choose a career in politics. One important step is to provide women with the skills and resources to win their election and keep winning. Democracy depends on it. #genderequality #democracy

There is urgent need to vote out corrupt elected officials; there is high level of hunger, poverty, poor infrastructural facilities and insecurities; and in all of this women are always badly affected. To change the dynamics, women active participation in political party through membership and capacity building of existing women members of political parties; especially "women leaders" and women groups at the grassroot Communities is paramount. Mainstreaming qualified, knowledgeable and exceptional women into party politics; is a great strategy to ensure women are voted into political leadership. Women leaders in political parties should be trained on leadership and other capacity building Enhancement skills to make efficient use of their position to influence change. In recent survey on women political participation we had with Wfm917, targeting women politicians and women at the grassroot Communities; we gathered that women are ready to vote massively for women; they are yarning for women leadership; they trust women's capacity and capabilities; and they believe women will perform better than men. We can no longer tolerate massive corruption and insensitivity of governments to the plights of the poor. @wfm917 @unwomenng @iyamopocpwyd Ere Amachree @wrapang #saynotocorruption #supportwomensleadershipparticipation #saynotohunger #womenaremoreaffected

New Theme 🇿🇦✊🏼❤️ “For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.” South Africa has a crop of young, talented, ambitious, qualified women leading in politics and running for public office. As we gear towards the Provincial and National Elections on 29 May, we would like to shine the spotlight on some of these women. We want to know a bit more about them and their political journeys and most importantly, how they are protecting and prioritising their mental health. People usually proclaim that politics is not for the faint hearted and how brave those who get into politics are. The women we will be in conversation with are indeed brave…but they are still human and need to care for their health especially as campaign season becomes more intense. We want to know how these leaders are taking care of themselves in this season and how they will continue to prioritise their mental health. On 8 March, we celebrate and observe “International Women’s Day.” This year the theme is: Inspire Inclusion. This theme speaks to the opening quote that women shouldn’t just have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected. Women need to be included and as women leaders, we need to drive and inspire this inclusion South African Government UN Women International Women's Day 2024 IEC (Electoral Commission of South Africa) #theteawithanelendlovu #march #humanrights #women #womenleaders #politics #politicians #elections #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthadvocate #iwd #iwd2024 #inspireinclusion