Out of 195 countries in the world, only 24 have a woman as either head of state or government.
Just 22 percent of all parliamentary positions worldwide are held by women. And around 20 percent of governments have a female representative for the UN.
This is by no means due to lack of merit.
Instead, it’s the slow dribble of equality that’s occurred since women’s suffrage swept the globe in the 20th century.
Male dominance is still entrenched in almost all governments and political bodies. But it has to end.
And there is now an opportunity to make progress. Ban Ki-moon will step down from his post as UN Secretary General after 2 terms at the end of 2015, and a woman should fill that role.
It will send a powerful message to all the countries directly or indirectly perpetuating gender inequality if one of the most visible positions in the world is held by a woman.
70 percent of people living in extreme poverty are female. After 8 men held the position of UN Secretary General, it’s time for a woman to take a crack at this glaring disparity.
Colombia is leading an initiative within the UN to get a woman elected to this position, and 44 other countries have joined the effort so far.
Here are 5 of the more-than qualified female candidates:
1) Irina Bokova
Irina Bokova is currently serving as the head of UNESCO and is a staunch advocate for gender equality and universal education.
2) Michelle Bachelet
As the president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet has demonstrated her support for closing income and gender inequalities.
3) Helen Clark
Helen Clark is the former prime minister of New Zealand, where she oversaw strong economic growth and high investment in education, healthcare and other social services.
In addition to furthering causes she has championed in New Zealand, she campaigns for clean energy as the head of the UNDP.
4) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the first democratically elected female leader of Liberia. Among other causes, she advocates for education and gender equality.
When the ebola outbreak struck Liberia, she demonstrated her leadership abilities.
5) Alicia Bárcena Ibarra
Alicia Bárcena Ibarra oversees economic development in Latin America for the UN.
Sustainability propels all of her efforts as she seeks to reduce economic and gender inequalities in the region.
I encourage you to learn more about these candidates and others who are being unofficially nominated and support your favorite on social media.
The UN voting process is notoriously secretive and dominated by the five countries with veto power--the US, France, Russia, China and Britain.
If enough global citizens around the world raise their voices in support of electing a female leader, then the pressure, combined with internal calls within the UN, will be inescapable.
70 years is too long a time for an organization dedicated to advancing human rights to go without a female leader.
If you believe in gender equality, then go to TAKE ACTION NOW to sign a petition calling on world leaders to prioritize this important issue.