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.

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The backlash against women in politics

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June 12, 2024

The backlash against women in politics

I spent a good chunk of my academic career studying women in politics — the barriers that keep women from running for office and from winning party nominations, and the impact they might have once they are elected.

More women in politics is the key to our future

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June 4, 2024

More women in politics is the key to our future

We could not agree more with female members of parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh who have advocated for a dedicated law to enhance female participation in politics and empower women leaders.

Do women politicians know more about women’s policy preferences? Evidence from Canada

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June 3, 2024

Do women politicians know more about women’s policy preferences? Evidence from Canada

Abstract

War magnifies politicians’ gendered behavior, public biases, research finds

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May 30, 2024

War magnifies politicians’ gendered behavior, public biases, research finds

Women’s participation in politics is essential to

World News

Men still dominate Uganda’s party politics – women’s participation is mostly cosmetic

Submitted by Editor on Mon, 05/27/2024 - 04:16

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Men still dominate Uganda’s party politics – women’s participation is mostly cosmetic

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Electoral gender quotas in Uganda – first introduced in 1989 – have increased women’s numbers in Uganda’s parliament to 34%. Today there are 189 women out of 557 members of parliament.

Electoral gender quotas in Uganda – first introduced in 1989 – have increased women’s numbers in Uganda’s parliament to 34%. Today there are 189 women out of 557 members of parliament.

Beyond quotas for women's political empowerment

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May 23, 2024

Beyond quotas for women's political empowerment

Politics has historically been a male-dominated space. Men hold the majority of power in the political sphere globally due to entrenched patriarchal norms that prioritize male leadership and decision-making.

Impact Report 2023

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May 22, 2024

Impact Report 2023

The IPU grew in 2023 with the accession of the parliaments of Liberia and the Bahamas, its 179th and 180th Members respectively, as well as many observers and partners signing up to join or rejoin our global parliamentary community.