Ladies first in the Paris mayoral race

For the first time in the history of Paris, the battle for the mayor's office - viewed as a springboard to higher office - is shaping to be an all-female affair in a watershed step forward for women.

Although Socialist Mayor Bertrand Delanoe only steps down next year, at least three women have already thrown their hats into the ring to replace him, a surprise move in a country where top jobs have traditionally been a male preserve.

Source Voice of Russia