Women's struggle for political leadership

I have worked on women's empowerment in Southern and West Africa for some time now and the struggle for women to get into political leadership is very real and exasperating yet we continue.

9.7% women are in parliament in Liberia a deplorable situation of the realities of women in politics the world over. In Nigeria poor representation is the norm and a gradual decline has been a trend in Liberia so it is true for Zimbabwe as well.

Is the political space for women shrinking in other countries and slowing increasing in others?Regression is not an option as we fight for gender equality but its a reality is some nations. 

Why, because, there is no political will, increasing and institutionalised violence against women in politics and elections (VAWiP/E), lack of political funding for political parties as an incentive for having more than 30% women quota on candidate lists in political party leadership structures and a lack of appreciation of the benefits of gender balance in politics. What of the women' movement? It is string and weak in other nations and of course all these are standalone topics for discussion in my stories to come soon.

Should women be fighting for political position or equality in the first place-No it is a right to be respected, demanded and upheld.

What happened then, perhaps its time to *frame* the conversation on gender equality in leadership and messaging on rights differently to influence clear legislative frameworks that guide new practices.

to be continued