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Women in National Governments Around the Globe: Fact Sheet
Literature Item
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Abstract:
This report provides a snapshot of women’s political participation in national governments worldwide by compiling statistics and other information from a variety of sources, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the CIA World Factbook, news reports, and other sources.Women and girls make up half of the world’s population; however, in most countries, women are underrepresented in the political process at the national level. Possible causes include discriminatory laws and practices, gender stereotypes, low levels of education, lack of access to health care, and the disproportionate effect of poverty on women. Many experts have found that women’s political participation, including representation in elected governments, contributes to the overall well-being of women and their communities. In 2023, women hold 26.7% of legislative seats around the world, an increase from 15.3% of such seats in 2003. As of August 1, 2023, women held 50% or more of the legislative seats in seven countries: Cuba, Rwanda, Nicaragua, Mexico, Andorra, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates. A 2022 report found that, “for the first time, not a single functioning parliament in the world has zero women members.” However, considering the 2022’s rate of growth in women’s representation in parliaments, “parity will not be achieved for nearly 60 years.” At the national executive level, 32 countries currently have a female chief of state or head of government who won an election or was selected by elected bodies.
Keywords:
women in politics, legislative seats, political representation, gender quotas, gender stereotypes
Dates:
Nov. 13, 2023 - None
Source Specificity:
Public Policy Document
Website:
https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R45483.pdf
Power Domains:
Political
Methods Tools:
Monitoring, Benchmarking
Country:
City:
unspecified
Implementation Scale:
international
Language:
English
Other Links:
https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R45483.pdf
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