Governing in a Global World captures the panorama of women governing around the world. Taken together, the chapters illustrate the worldwide importance of, and challenges to, promoting gender equality and women governing.

Governing in a Global World captures the panorama of women governing around the world. Even though the modern era marks history's greatest advancements for women, worldwide they hold fewer than 30 percent of decision-making positions and are often missing from negotiating tables where policies are made and conflicts resolved. The opening chapters present trends and context for studying women in public service by focusing on path-setters across the globe, the status of women in the world's executive and legislative bodies, and their participation in public service across several nations. Later chapters examine power, leadership and representation of women in public service, with several chapters looking at women governing from a regional perspective in the Middle East, Sub Sahara Africa, Latin America, and China. The final chapter presents empirical evidence that shows how policies to increase women's representation in the public arena reduce gender inequality more than any other policy intervention. Taken together, the chapters illustrate the worldwide importance of, and challenges to, promoting gender equality and women governing.

'Governing in a Global World is wonderfully comprehensive tome that examines women as public leaders, politicians and managers throughout history and around the world. Chapter contributors include a broad range of exceptional scholars, each providing in-depth analysis and insightful commentary about the lurching forward of women's advancement in public service over time. Sometimes surprising, often disheartening, yet compelling throughout, this reader will be hard to put down.' - Katherine Willoughby, Golembiewski Professor of Public Administration, University of Georgia 'This is the book we have been waiting for. It captures the status of women's political and administrative representation around the world, and prescribes strategies for narrowing the Global Gender Gap. Written with mastery and conviction - a must read.' - Meredith A. Newman, PhD,Vice Provost for Faculty and Global Affairs, Florida International University 'The progress of the world depends on the progress of women in government. To understand the progress we have - and have not - made, this book is essential. Its breadth and depth is remarkable. Each chapter provides a multitude of lessons about the current status of women in government and outlines the necessary steps to advance to true equality.' - John R. Bartle, Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of Nebraska at Omaha