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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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May 18, 2018
Gambia: Banjul elects first female mayor Rohey Malick Lowe

The City of Banjul made history by electing its first female mayor.

May 17, 2018
Japan passes law to get more women into politics

Japan's parliament on Wednesday passed a law to encourage female candidates to stand for elections in a country where women are vastly underrepresented in politics.

May 10, 2018
Five women said to be in running to become Italy's transitional PM

Five women are among the names floated to lead a transitional government in Italy in what some speculate could be President Sergio Mattarella’s attempt to break with tradition while the

UNDP and IPU: Global Parliamentary Report 2017

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May 10, 2018

UNDP and IPU: Global Parliamentary Report 2017

The second Global Parliamentary Report is jointly produced by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The second Global Parliamentary Report is jointly produced by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

May 7, 2018
Nigeria: INEC bemoans poor participation of women in politics

National Electoral Commission, INEC, has bemoaned the inadequate representation of women in political offices, pointing out that in spite of the numerical strength of women, they are not adequately represented.

After a century of women’s votes what about political seats?

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May 4, 2018

After a century of women’s votes what about political seats?

This year marks the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which gave the vote to all British and Irish men over 21 and women over 30 who met minimum property or education qualifications.

This year marks the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 which gave the vote to all British and Irish men over 21 and women over 30 who met minimum property or education qualifications.

May 4, 2018
Women Speakers of Parliament declare zero tolerance towards sexism, racism, and violence in parliament

Female parliamentarians worldwide called for immediate reforms to stop sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliaments.

May 1, 2018
Karnataka polls: Low proportion of women candidates across political divide shows they still face disadvantages aplenty

Congress member Motamma is a veteran in Karnataka politics. A former leader of Opposition in Karnataka Legislative Council from 2010 to 2012, she is the first woman to be appointed to that position.