“There has always been a reluctance or fear of politics by women because they have seen it as a violent, confrontational world and they aren’t interested in that,” she said. ”But an increasing number of women are trying to change the way politics are being done and make it a bit more civilised. “The more we have role models and the more visible they are then the greater chance there is to get more women involved ... Maybe a younger generation will be less reluctant to see women play a public role and this will open the door for more women.”

The Thomson Reuters Foundation survey asked experts in women's issues in 19 megacities how well women are protected from sexual violence, and from harmful cultural practices, and whether they have access to good healthcare, finance and education.