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.
He said, “I was told that the British High Commission is a major sponsor of this programme. I had the opportunity of meeting with the Deputy High Commissioner when she visited Bayelsa last week, and we discussed women participation in politics.
Speaker of the Parliament of Tasmania, the Hon. Jacquie Petrusma MP, and Deputy Speaker Helen Burnet MP have combined to launch the state's Pathways to Politics for Women program for 2026.
Globally, the representation of women in politics has shown a slow but steady upward trend over many years. However, the latest data suggests that this progress has now come to a standstill, and in some areas has even begun to reverse.
Advocates belonging to liberal parties in Asia have called for an end to the non-physical violence against women in politics.
When election time comes around, campaign posters feature candidates with a determined look in their eye, their local promises, well thought-out slogans in full view, and a smile – which
New York - Across the world, women remain vastly under-represented in political leadership, with the most powerful decisions still overwhelmingly made by men.
Gusia added that female politicians are an easier target for threats.
Women in politics face more hostility and intimidation from the public, both online and offline.