SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions
Institutions: Ministry of Women & Child Development | Election Commission of India
According to UN Women’s Facts & Figures on Women’s Leadership and Political Participation, progress on women’s political representation remains uneven worldwide. As of early 2025, only 26.7% of parliamentarians globally are women, and fewer than one-third of ministerial positions are held by women. Women serve as Heads of State in just 13 countries and Heads of Government in 15 countries. At the local level, only about 36% of elected seats in local deliberative bodies are occupied by women. Barriers include discriminatory laws, unequal access to resources, gender stereotypes, and violence against women in politics.
The data underscores that despite international commitments; women’s voices remain underrepresented in political decision-making. For India, where women’s share in the Lok Sabha is below the global average, these figures strengthen the case for implementing the Women’s Reservation Act (2023) effectively, ensuring political pipelines and institutional support for women candidates across levels of governance.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India accelerate the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act and strengthen institutional safeguards so that women’s political representation translates into substantive leadership and influence?
Follow the full data here:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/facts-and-figures/facts-and-figures-womens-leadership-and-political-participation