The theme of 2021 International Women’s Day is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.” We asked participants in the UNDP Enhancing Women’s Role in Politics and Decision-Making at the Subnational Level in Ukraine project to share their thoughts about women in leadership.

The data is clear. Despite women’s increased engagement in public decision-making roles, equality is far off: women hold about 21 percent of ministerial positions globally, only three countries have 50 percent or more women in parliament, and 22 countries are headed by a woman. At the current rate of progress, gender equality will not be reached among Heads of Government until 2150, another 130 years.

Shirley Chisholm, the first black US Congresswoman once said: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair”.

The future is better with women at every table where decisions are being made. Trailblazing women like Shirley Chisholm have been claiming their space and demanding women’s inclusion and equality throughout history, and now it’s on us.