Parliaments & Representatives

Women make up only 23.5% of Members of Parliament according to the latest available data of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. While significant strides in women’s political participation have been made since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action in 1995, which set Member States’ target of achieving gender balance in political decision-making, women are still underrepresented in political decision-making at all levels and gender balance remains an aspirational goal. Gains in women’s participation have been notable in countries that have taken proactive steps to support women’s political participation, including reforming or amending discriminatory laws, taking concrete action to address violence against women in politics and gender discrimination within parliaments, addressing gender-specific barriers, and supporting women in all forms of decision-making including at local level and in executive government.

Show on Home Page

Yes

Image

Icon

The matai system and women in politics

Back

July 26, 2024

The matai system and women in politics

The Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Masipau made a bold statement about why he thinks gender inequality exists in politics. He views the matai system and customs as prohibiting women from traditional governance impacting their chances to run for office.

Gender Bills: Crucial for women empowerment

Back

July 25, 2024

Gender Bills: Crucial for women empowerment

The underrepresentation of Nigerian women in governance and politics has been a longstanding issue in political discourse.

An MP’s perspectives on tech – Tamika Davis, Member of the House of Representatives of Jamaica

Back

July 22, 2024

An MP’s perspectives on tech – Tamika Davis, Member of the House of Representatives of Jamaica

Tamika Davis is a first-term MP from Jamaica, part of the historic high of 29% of incoming women MPs in the House of Representatives and the first woman to be elected in her constituency.

A first-time woman MP writes: I want to break stereotypes that hinder our collective progress

Back

July 20, 2024

A first-time woman MP writes: I want to break stereotypes that hinder our collective progress

In my journey as a Member of Parliament (MP), I’ve faced firsthand the multifaceted challenges that women in politics encounter — challenges that extend well beyond legislative duties and reveal entrenched societal perceptions and biases.

World News

In Mongolia, electoral reform ushers in a record number of women to parliament

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/18/2024 - 10:35

Back

In Mongolia, electoral reform ushers in a record number of women to parliament

Source:

Mongolia's electoral reforms have significantly transformed the political landscape, ushering a record number of women into Parliament. This change follows the May 2023 constitutional amendment, which expanded parliamentary seats from 76 to 126 and introduced a mandatory 30 per cent candidate quota for women. As a result, the number of female MPs has increased dramatically, from 13 to 32.

Luzha: Only 3% of Kosovo women participate directly in politics

Back

July 18, 2024

Luzha: Only 3% of Kosovo women participate directly in politics

Only three percent of women are directly engaged in politics, while 11 percent have no interest in involvement at all. This is what the research findings of the "Friedrich Eber" foundation say, which were presented by professor Besa Luzha.

World News

Nigeria: Only 5% of women in political offices – APC women leader

Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/18/2024 - 05:43

Back

Nigeria: Only 5% of women in political offices – APC women leader

Source:

The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Mary Idele Alile, has said that only 6 per cent of women in Nigeria hold political office.

Dr Mary made the statement during her speech at the launch of “Project 774 Explode: Enhancing Gender Space in Politics” in Sokoto over the weekend.

The National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Mary Idele Alile, has said that only 6 per cent of women in Nigeria hold political office.

Dr Mary made the statement during her speech at the launch of “Project 774 Explode: Enhancing Gender Space in Politics” in Sokoto over the weekend.

World News

Going for gold: Meet five Olympic parliamentarians

Submitted by Editor on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 08:54

Back

Going for gold: Meet five Olympic parliamentarians

Source:

Excelling as a world-class athlete and performing parliamentary work both require determination, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. As we count down to the Paris 2024 Olympics, let's meet five trailblazers who succeeded in both arenas.