YOUNG WOMEN'S
EMPOWERMENT PORTAL

Young women’s political participation & representation are essential to the strength and sustainability of democratic systems. Yet, despite their critical role, global levels of young women in political and leadership positions remain alarmingly low.

There is no one unique definition of ‘youth’, or even globally-agreed-upon upper and lower age limits for the category 10 nor for ‘young people’ more widely. 11 Rather, definitions of youth and young people are often dependent on those doing the defining, local norms, and the wider context. Large supranational organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank often categorize youth as those aged 15-24, for statistical purposes, while recognizing that this age range

is not universal, as definitions vary by country, culture, and context, whereas the European Union (EU) defines youth as ages 15-29 and the African Union as those aged 15-35. (GYPI Report 2025). For the purpose of the Young Women’s Empowerment Portal we will use the IPU definition which states that young people include individuals falling under the age of 40 years. Statutes and Policies of the IPU

Explore further the Global Youth Participation Index

Young Women’s Political Participation  – A Global Snapshot

WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT

27.2%

of the world MPs are women

IPU on Gender Equality

YOUTH IN PARLIAMENT

19.11%

of the world MPs are under 40

IPU on Gender Equality

Only 409 Parliamentarians in the world are women under the age of 30 compared to 555 male parliamentarians in the same age bracket.

Explore further Data Provided by the IPU

Journey Mapping of Young Women in Politics

Online Courses

Young Women's Empowerment Academy

Explore pilot-tested learning modules designed to empower young women in politics easily accessible anytime, anywhere.  

A virtual learning series to strengthen young women’s voices in politics through skills-building, mentorship, and solidarity.

A young, elegant woman speaking with a microphone

#RisetoRepresent

Access this virtual learning series featuring short video modules where senior politicians share their experiences and practical advice on navigating politics. Learn from those who've walked the path before you, connect with peers across borders, and gain the tools to break into politics and make your voice heard. This series is a joint collaboration between Inter Pares and iKNOW Politics.

Want to join us?

If you are a youth focused organization working with young women in politics become a part of our iKNOW Politics Youth Organizations Database. For more details:

Email us or Partner up

Peer to Peer Learning

iKNOW Politics serves as a global hub connecting cross-regional feminist networks and coalitions. Have a question about gender or women’s political participation? Reach out to us at connect@iknowpolitics.org, and we’ll link you with our global network of experts and practitioners. Let’s learn together and unpack complex ideas to drive inclusive political change!