Kenya’s 2010 constitution established a groundbreaking gender quota, requiring “not more than two-thirds of elective public bodies shall be of the same gender.” Ten years later, after numerous attempts, the government still has not adopted legislation to fully implement this constitutional requirement. As a result, this September 21, the Chief Justice of Kenya advised President Uhuru Kenyatta to dissolve parliament.

On October 11, we will celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, an occasion to recognize the power of adolescent girls and young women worldwide as changemakers and leaders. Despite persistent barriers, girls and young women are continuing to lead political and social movements and contributing to democratic resilience worldwide.

Over the last year, Turkey has been confronted with a series of crises. Ongoing debates regarding the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) and its relationship to conservative cultural norms have only been heightened in recent months as Turkey has confronted the dual threat of a lagging economy and an ongoing pandemic. As Turkish citizens have spent more time at home and the public health sector focuses on fighting the pandemic, pre-existing social challenges, such as GBV, have been exacerbated.

His Excellency. His Majesty King. His Highness. 

So it went on. Heads of State. Mr. and His, but no Her or Ms. 

In Ukraine, women remain underrepresented at all levels of governance and local decision making, as well as continuing to face significant obstacles to gender equality in other spheres. Training opportunities for women are essential to empowering more women to run for office and creating strong networks of women leaders who are willing to make an impact in their communities. 

I’m ready to run for office. And what makes me happy is that I will have a team of supporters. Even if I am the only one who runs, I will definitely have a team that will help me win.