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.
Federal MPs have told a women’s leadership summit a "legacy of misogyny" and "sexist underbelly" continues to plague Australian politics and must be addressed.
In 2011, the Arab Spring precipitated fervent calls for democratic reforms, leading the Moroccan government to enact gender quotas that reserved seats for women in Parliament as well as regional, district, and communal councils.
This e-Discussion raised awareness about the slow progress towards achieving full and equal participation of women in politics and gathered exp
![Indigenous academic and activist Elisa Loncon was elected as president of the Constituent Convention during the body's first session on July 4 in Santiago [Javier Torres/AFP]](/sites/default/files/styles/home_news_image/public/field/image/000_9dx2r3.jpg?itok=KwZcUi4g "Indigenous academic and activist Elisa Loncon was elected as president of the Constituent Convention during the body's first session on July 4 in Santiago [Javier Torres/AFP]")
Constitutional assembly picks academic Elisa Loncon to lead body drafting new text to replace Pinochet-era constitution.
Black women in politics face a harrowing reality: Harassment, abuse and death threats for doing their jobs as Black women.
Every day for more than four years, Kiah Morris lived in fear. She developed a safety routine for her family with the help of an international security expert, installed security cameras outside their home and received firearms training.
PACE called on member States to promote the participation of women from under-represented groups in political decision-making by acting at several lev
Women’s political leadership is important for ensuring that women’s perspectives and experiences are included in political decision-making. Over the past 25 years, the overall percentage of women in parliaments has more than doubled.
Development of local or regional caucus for women councillors – identifying interest and examining possible supports.