Want to know more about how women MPs are organizing themselves in parliaments around the world? IPU has launched a new global database on women’s caucuses in parliament to capture such information in one useful place. The database is a unique tool that provides a global, regional and national perspective on how women MPs have succeeded in coming together to tackle issues in ways that transcend their political differences.

Women account for only about 20 per cent of the world’s MPs. In nearly every country they form a minority in parliament, an institution traditionally governed according to the principles and worldviews of their predominantly male memberships.

UN Women launched a Constitutional Database (http://constitutions.unwomen.org) which for the first time examines constitutions through a gender lens, mapping the principles and rules which guarantee, deny, or protect the rights of women and girls around the world. Constitutions have a tremendous impact on women. They are well-recognized markers for countries and their citizens, serving as the bill of rights and providing a framework for the rights and responsibilities of people and a mirror to the way people are governed.

A new background paper from the World Bank written by Susan Markham, NDI’s director of women’s political participation, examines the status of women in politics and makes the case for the full and equitable participation of women in public life. The paper, entitled Women as Agents of Change: Having Voice in Society & Influencing Policy, reviews existing data, identifies the barriers that prevent women’s political participation and analyzes strategies that have been used to increase it.

Ivorian MPs and parliamentary staff  have taken a first step in strengthening parliamentary oversight on gender equality policies in the country through better information on gender budgeting and allocation.

 UN Women launches first-ever database mapping gender provisions in constitutions worldwide

Global mapping covers 195 constitutions across five regions, in English and original languages