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.
The Digital Rights Foundation has reported a sharp rise in technology-facilitated gender-based violence in its 2025 annual review, with 1,132 cases of male-perpetrated abuse recorded through its Digital Security Helpline.
A staggering 89% of women social media users in Bangladesh have experienced online violence at least once, speakers said at a national consultation, calling for urgent coordinated action to tackle technology
In March last year, soon after giving birth to her twins, Susan Kihika was subjected to a campaign of online abuse.
The Women’s Quota Act of 2023 has officially been implemented, marking a significant step towards increased representation of women in legislative bodies.
The discourse surrounding the Women’s Reservation Bill, or Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, shows how masculine politics has weaponised women’s issues.
Sustainable development, responsive governance and inclusive democracy all depend on women's equitable engagement and representation in politics.