As of September 2023, only 26 countries boast women as heads of state or government, with gender parity in local government achieved by only three nations. At this rate, true gender parity in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years. The grim reality extends beyond numbers – growing evidence suggests that an increase of women in elected office doesn’t necessarily translate to a rise in gender equity or in meaningful political inclusion and influence. Panorama Strategy has released a new report that sheds light on the imperative of resourcing women’s political leadership. Funded by the Open Society Foundations, it explores the current funding landscape for women’s political leadership in the Global South, identifies gaps and priorities, and provides concrete recommendations for funders and additional stakeholders.
The learnings from this research were discussed on April 16, 2024, by a panel of feminist leaders and political experts. Moderated by Panorama Strategy’s Director Jenny Shin, panelists Suyen Barahona (Executive Director, Women’s Political Leadership Fund), Sumaiya Islam (Senior Advisor, Programs, Open Society Foundations), and Brenda Anugwom (CEO, Nigerian Women Trust Fund) spotlighted the crucial need for resources in this area, especially to support women of diverse backgrounds with less access to social and financial capital to pursue and occupy political positions.
