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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Women in parliament: 1995–2020 - 25 years in review

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March 26, 2020

Women in parliament: 1995–2020 - 25 years in review

This year’s report looks back at 25 years of women in parliament on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Beijing conference and its groundbreaking action plan for gender equality.

March 10, 2020

In 2020, world “cannot afford” so few women in power

Press Release

Geneva, Switzerland and New York City, USA – 10 March 15:00 CET/10:00 ET

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2019 Parliamentary Elections in Moldova - Gender perspective

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February 26, 2020

2019 Parliamentary Elections in Moldova - Gender perspective

The infographics are produced by the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova, with the support of “Enhancing democracy in Moldova through inclusive and transparent elections” Project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP Mold

Pursuing equality in rights and representation – Women’s experiences running for parliament in Lebanon’s 2018 elections

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February 26, 2020

Pursuing equality in rights and representation – Women’s experiences running for parliament in Lebanon’s 2018 elections

In late 2018 and early 2019 UN Women interviewed 87 per cent of the women who ran for Parliamentary election (75 of the 86 women; of the 113 women who registered to run, 86 made it on to candidate lists).

HeForShe Action Kit for Parliaments

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February 13, 2020

HeForShe Action Kit for Parliaments

This Action Kit has been developed to guide the overall implementation of the HeForShe solidarity movement.

Guidelines for the elimination of sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliament

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December 18, 2019

Guidelines for the elimination of sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliament

These guidelines offer advice and practical information for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff on how to transform parliaments into gender-sensitive environments free from sexism and abuse.