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.

Show on Home Page

Yes

Image

Icon

Italy’s gender equality conundrum

Back

March 1, 2022

Italy’s gender equality conundrum

Italy’s new President, once again, is not a woman. But the problem is not just cultural.

Interviews

Éliane Tillieux

Submitted by Editor on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:40

Back

February 28, 2022

Éliane Tillieux

President of the Chamber of Representatives, Belgium

February 25, 2022

In Australia, Nicolle Flint uses final speech to take aim at offensive abuse directed toward women

Outgoing Liberal MP Nicolle Flint has used her valedictory speech to urge the parliament to better protect women from offensive, insulting and intimidating behaviour, while taking aim at "the left" and social media giants for the harassment and abuse she has endured d

Learn More

Women in local government

Back

February 24, 2022

Women in local government

The Women in Local Government website is the outcome of a multi-year project undertaken by UN Women to generate knowledge on women’s representation in local government and improve its

‘It can be done’: How a strong female crossbench could challenge Australian politics

Back

February 23, 2022

‘It can be done’: How a strong female crossbench could challenge Australian politics

By Jo Dyer

As disillusionment with the Morrison government grows, a new generation of independents is emerging to run against the system itself.

By Jo Dyer

As disillusionment with the Morrison government grows, a new generation of independents is emerging to run against the system itself.

A few remarkable wins for Pacific women in local politics

Back

February 22, 2022

A few remarkable wins for Pacific women in local politics

But what is far too often the exception should become the norm.

Gender-sensitive parliaments: Beyond the add women and stir approach in Wales

Back

February 21, 2022

Gender-sensitive parliaments: Beyond the add women and stir approach in Wales

Every decision a parliamentarian makes is a chance to advance gender equality. From choosing a topic for an oversight inquiry to drafting legislative amendments, gender-sensitive scrutiny can help bring inequalities to the surface and find remedies.