Women Political Leaders: Evidence of the Impact of Gender on Democracy

The 65th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65) focuses on: women’s full and effective participation and decision-making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

At this official side event at CSW65, WFD presents a panel of women political leaders who will share their experience of disrupting the culture of division and one-upmanship in politics in their countries; of leading the introduction of inclusive policies and laws; and talk about the ways that they have been able to sustain their political careers.

The event will discuss WFD’s recent research with the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at King’s College London which showed that where women take part and thrive in politics, the whole of society benefits. It found that women are re-shaping politics and international relations, improving how governments respond to citizen needs, and bringing a more collaborative and inclusive style of leadership to political environments. It highlighted how women political leaders prioritise legislation that addresses inequalities and equal access to health services, welfare and education and indicated that women’s political leadership is correlated with less corruption.

Read the report: Women political leaders: the impact of gender on democracy

At CSW65, our panel will explore the research findings and bring them to life through their own experiences of leading in the political arena: How have they challenged barriers in political parties? How have they stayed resilient in the face of hostile, grueling and sometimes violenct political areas? How have prioritised laws to achieve equality? And how are women improving democracy?

For more information on the event, please click here.