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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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December 8, 2021
New Chancellor appoints Germany’s first gender-equal cabinet

Germany’s new government will have more women in its cabinet than ever before, with incoming Chancellor Olaf Scholz appointing 8 women and 8 men as ministers.

Former political staffer Brittany Higgins inspired others to come forward with allegations - Getty Images/BBC
December 2, 2021
Australian parliament: one in three workers sexually harassed, says report
December 2, 2021
Gender and family affairs hosts Women United in politics forum

Present and former female Parliamentarians (House of Assembly and the Senate) from across the political spectrum, leaders of female Non-Governmental Organizations and advocacy groups – including representatives from the community of persons with disabilities – women in service, women in governanc

December 1, 2021
Jordan has ‘crystal-clear’ decision to support women’s political participation

Jordan has a “crystal-clear” political decision to support women’s participation in political life, notably their representation in Parliament, Culture Minister Haifa Najjar said on Sunday.

November 29, 2021
Women MP’s of Sri Lanka parliament call for action to prevent verbal harassment from male colleagues

Chairperson of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) in Sri Lanka parliament, Dr.

November 29, 2021
Shining a light on sexism against women in African parliaments through art

In light of the significance of the recent report, Sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliaments in Africa, the IPU commissioned a talented artist to help visually portray the extent of this scourge in legislatures across the continent.

(Copyright: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash)
November 25, 2021
Advocates worry online misogyny will keep women out of office

Advocates are worried that rising online misogyny will leave more women unwilling to run for office, a concern highlighted by a video posted by Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) showing him killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

November 24, 2021
Sweden's first female PM resigns hours after appointment