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 world's most gender-equal countries

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September 28, 2023

The world's most gender-equal countries

How is the world doing on gender equality? According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the picture is mixed. The needle is moving in the right direction, according to its latest Global Gender Gap report, but incrementally.

The history of women in Mexican politics

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September 28, 2023

The history of women in Mexican politics

Though there had been earlier stirrings for Mexican women’s right to vote, the immediate spark for suffrage in Mexico was struck by the Revolution of 1910.

Women’s voices are being stifled by political inaction

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September 28, 2023

Women’s voices are being stifled by political inaction

In a trend that threatens the very essence of democracy, women who are brimming with potential and fresh perspectives are more hesitant than ever to stand for elected office in Scotland. Their number-one reason?