Women in government

Common card · No. 436819

In many countries, women have been underrepresented in the government and different institutions. As of 2026, women were still underrepresented in most countries, but were increasingly being elected to be heads of state and government. As of 2026, women are heads of state in 28 countries and 27.4% of members of parliament; they make up a smaller percentage of cabinet ministers (22%) than in 2024. In 2019, the global participation rate of women in national-level parliaments was 24.5%. In 2013, women accounted for 8% of all national leaders and 2% of all presidential posts. Furthermore, 75% of all female prime ministers and presidents took office in the two decades prior to 2016. Women may face a number of challenges that affect their ability to participate in political life and become political leaders. Several countries explored measures that could increase women's participation in government at all levels, from the local to the national and international. Political parties advocating for...

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