This story appears in the June 2020 issue of National Geographic magazine.
This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
4 countries where women have gained political power—and the obstacles they still face
Activists in Bolivia, New Zealand, Iraq, and Afghanistan have made huge advances, but cultural resistance—and even violence—are still barriers to overcome.
New Zealand Bronwyn Clifford, 16, stands with other Maori women on Waitangi Day, observed each February to commemorate the Treaty of Waitangi, signed by some 500 Maori chiefs and the British in 1840. Much ancestral land was lost during Britain’s 19th-century colonization. Today Maori women use social media to mobilize support for indigenous land rights and other reforms.
Read This Next
Go Further
Animals
- How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help?
- Fireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect themFireflies are vanishing—but you can help protect them
- Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?Could this simple plan save Africa's most mysterious cat?
- This ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelryThis ray is vanishing from our oceans—and being made into jewelry
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld allegedly violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
Environment
- Seaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate changeSeaweed may play a big role in the fight against climate change
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
History & Culture
- The ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummiesThe ancient history of tattoos—revealed by inked-up mummies
- The ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human originsThe ‘cave of bones’ may hold the mysteries of human origins
- From police raids to pop culture: The history of modern dragFrom police raids to pop culture: The history of modern drag
- How the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movementHow the Stonewall uprising ignited the pride movement
- They were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surpriseThey were seeking a mythical oasis—and found a Stone Age surprise
Science
- How aromatherapy can help kids breathe in some mental goodnessHow aromatherapy can help kids breathe in some mental goodness
- At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?At 64, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. How'd she do it?
- A ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeletonA ‘kitten-otter-bear’? Identifying a very strange skeleton
- Fossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinctionFossils reveal predator's struggle to survive mass extinction
Travel
- AI can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask.AI can help you plan your next trip—if you know how to ask.
- How bison have been brought back from the brink in SaskatchewanHow bison have been brought back from the brink in Saskatchewan
- A summer guide to Lisbon, from street art to hilltop lookoutsA summer guide to Lisbon, from street art to hilltop lookouts