Women and the wealth of nations: Toward a better allocation of female talent (Cheikh Anta Gueye, Munseob Lee, Brookings)

Around the world, women continue to record political successes. Ten years have passed since Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first elected female head of state in Africa after a lifetime of groundbreaking efforts to promote gender equality. Several other countries in traditionally male societies have since elected female presidents as well. An increased number of constitutional reforms underscores other successes across the globe, presenting increased opportunities for women. In Mexico, the constitutional amendment of 2014 requires gender parity in the nomination of election candidates for federal and local congressional elections. In Namibia, the renewed parliament features 41.3 percent female members, making the country fourth among African countries with the highest number of women in parliament—Rwanda with 63.8 percent, Seychelles with 43.8 percent, Senegal with 42.7 percent, and South Africa with 41.5 percent.

http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/africa-in-focus/posts/2016/04/11-allocation-female-talent-gueye-lee