You’ve been seeing blog posts about films shown this month in honor of March being National Women’s History Month. Well, here’s a publication to look at in honor of the world’s women:
The World’s Women 2010: Trends and Statistics – This annual United Nations publication is a very eye-opening summary of how women are faring all over the globe. For example, chapter 5 on “Power and decision-making” will reveal that although women account for approximately half of the electorate:
• Becoming the Head of State or Head of Government remains elusive for women, with only 14 women in the world currently holding either position.
• In just 23 countries do women comprise a critical mass – over 30 per cent – in the lower or single house of their national parliament.
• Worldwide on average only one in six cabinet ministers is a woman.
• Women are highly underrepresented in decision-making positions at local government levels.
• In the private sector, women continue to be severely underrepresented in the top decisionmaking positions.
• Only 13 of the 500 largest corporations in the world have a female Chief Executive Officer.
Also want to check out the U.S. Government ‘s report on Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being.
Please ask a librarian for assistance with finding materials.
Another great resource for Women’s History Month is the Women’s History 2011 Gazette compiled by National Women’s History Project. To view the online version visit http://www.nwhp.org/whm/gazette_2011_1.pdf