Imagine not being able to voice your opinions on matters impacting your neighborhood or determining how your nation is governed. For many women worldwide, this is the truth: they are unable to influence the choices that affect their lives.

Less than 25 of the 196 nations in the world are led by women, and just 25% of lawmakers worldwide are female. Many women encounter obstacles during elections that make it difficult for them to run for office, get votes, and cast ballots for the leaders of their nations.

Why do women make up such a small percentage of the population?

Women face several barriers that prevent them from participating in decision-making at all societal levels. Women who experience prejudice, assault, or poverty are more likely to be left out of decision-making processes.

Women are prevented from rising to positions of leadership or casting ballots in elections by obstacles such as discriminatory legislation, a lack of education, and increased childcare obligations. Some women have male family members cast votes on their behalf, preventing them from seeing their ballots. Globally, women are underrepresented in leadership roles in communities and governments, as well as as voters.

Women are less likely to have the connections and self-assurance necessary to succeed when they do decide to run for government. And even for those who do get into positions of leadership, discrimination, abuse, and violence are commonplace.

Why are female leaders needed?

Women have the right to fully and equitably engage in public and political life, contributing their distinct perspectives to discussions and choices that are made in public.

Changing the balance of power

There is more to women’s political and civic engagement than just math. Women need to really impact decision-making in order for them to affect laws and behaviors.

In order to bring about equality in the future, we must change the discriminatory structures that already exist and give women the power to make choices at all societal and governmental levels. Working with groups and organizations dedicated to women’s rights, we aim to dismantle gender norms, prejudices, attitudes, and beliefs while also empowering women and girls to have a say in choices made by people in positions of authority.

Together, we are:

  • establishing forums where women may voice their opinions and demand rights
  • assisting female leaders in acquiring the self-assurance, know-how, and resources necessary to speak for other women
  • Enhancing how their lives are portrayed is created.
  • ensuring that decision-makers take into consideration the needs and interests of women, particularly those who are gay, bisexual, transgender, or from lower social groups or castes, as well as those who have impairments.
  • collaborating with communities to question and transform perceptions about women