Misogyny Still Widespread In Politics, Say Campaigners

Nicola Sturgeon's decision to step down as Scottish first minister highlights the pressures women politicians endure and the need to do more to keep them in their roles, campaigners say. Her resignation comes after New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern referenced burnout as she unexpectedly revealed she was stepping down from her role last month - saying she no longer had "enough in the tank".

- Maya Oppenheim

Jemima Olchawski, chief executive of leading gender equality charity, Fawcett Society, told The Independent the barriers to women entering politics "often seem insurmountable" but "we also know how hard it is for women to stay in politics once they get there". Ms Olchawski noted the charity's recent research that revealed just 37 per cent of UK women MPs thought the culture in parliament was inclusive for them, compared to 55 per cent of men.

She added: "Every woman who breaks through these barriers makes it a little easier for the next. That these two women leaders [Surgeon and Ardern] sat in office and spent their time as key players on the global stage doesn't mean the job of gender equality in politics is done.

"We must ensure that opportunities continue to be created for women to enter politics and that the culture in our parliaments is inclusive to women. This means creating appropriate support systems, and tackling online abuse, sexism, racism and ableism across our democracies."