Introduction
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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October 7, 2025
Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon.
September 29, 2025
Some women in politics have concerns about proposed constitutional reforms
CANADIAN High Commissioner to Zambia Emily Burns says some women in politics whom the Canadian government supports have been expressing concerns about some of the proposed constitutional reforms.
September 29, 2025
Czech Women Battle For Respect In 'Hostile' Politics
Czech lawmaker Martina Ochodnicka is quitting after a single term, upset with hateful, misogynistic comments and a general lack of support for women politicians.
September 25, 2025
Bougainville election: Prominent female candidate Theonila Roka Matbob loses seat
Theonila Roka Matbob, one of the most prominent female candidates in the Bougainville election, has lost her seat.
Are women better lawmakers than men? A nuanced yes, researcher finds
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September 25, 2025
Are women better lawmakers than men? A nuanced yes, researcher finds
Women face an uphill battle to political election, and they continue to confront barriers to success afterward. But the type of legislature in their states can make a difference.
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Women face an uphill battle to political election, and they continue to confront barriers to success afterward. But the type of legislature in their states can make a difference.
September 25, 2025
Women remain under 20% of elected officials in Brazil
An apparent bottleneck exists in women’s participation in politics: the number of female party members exceeds the number of female candidates, which in turn is almost double the number of women elected, who, on average, account for less than one-fifth of all winners at
September 22, 2025
Informed Perspectives Shares New Data on Canada Falling to 71st Globally in Women’s Political Representation, Despite Near-Universal Support for Parity
OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Informed Perspectives reveals that Canada’s status as a global champion of gender equality is under serious threat.