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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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September 12, 2023
Australia MP says male colleague used to breathe on her neck in parliament

A prominent Australian politician says she has been subjected to ongoing harassment inside the nation's parliament.

‘It is perhaps easier as a man than a woman to say that it is tougher for women in politics’

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September 12, 2023

‘It is perhaps easier as a man than a woman to say that it is tougher for women in politics’

The past twelve months or more have not been so good for women in senior political positions.

The past twelve months or more have not been so good for women in senior political positions.

First female prime minister in the world

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September 11, 2023

First female prime minister in the world

In the annals of history, there are individuals whose leadership transcends boundaries and reshapes the world’s political landscape.

In the annals of history, there are individuals whose leadership transcends boundaries and reshapes the world’s political landscape.

The women leading Britain’s political awakening

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September 11, 2023

The women leading Britain’s political awakening

“People’s faith in politics is at an all-time low”, Carol Vorderman, who was recently likened to a “celebrity attack dog” by Conservative MP Johnny Mercer, told Deborah Ro

“People’s faith in politics is at an all-time low”, Carol Vorderman, who was recently likened to a “celebrity attack dog” by Conservative MP Johnny Mercer, told Deborah Ro

September 11, 2023
Togo: female ministers and deputies seek greater contribution in political and social decision-making

The Network of African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians, Togo section (REFAMP-Togo) held a General Assembly on September 6, 2023.

September 11, 2023
Women's Reservation Bill: K. Kavitha's appeal to political leaders creates national buzz

Amid the buzz in political circles that the Women's Reservation Bill may be tabled in the special session of Parliament beginning on September 19, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (

September 11, 2023
Nancy Pelosi says she’ll seek House reelection in 2024, dismissing retirement at age 83

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday that she will run for reelection to another term in Congress as Democrats work to win back the majority in 2024.

Ex-cabinet minister Begin remembered as 'trailblazer' for female politicians

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September 11, 2023

Ex-cabinet minister Begin remembered as 'trailblazer' for female politicians

Mournful tributes are pouring in after the death of Monique Begin, a former cabinet minister and academic who died Friday at the age of 87.

Mournful tributes are pouring in after the death of Monique Begin, a former cabinet minister and academic who died Friday at the age of 87.