Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 11, 2026 Women
Women remain severely underrepresented in political leadership worldwide, and key decisions are still made predominantly by men. In 2026, only 28 countries were led by a woman—head of state or government—while 101 countries had never had a female leader.
When women are excluded from political leadership, decisions affecting peace, security, and economic priorities are made without taking into account the experiences of half of humanity. New global data collected in a study conducted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women reveals stagnation, and in some cases, a reversal, in women's representation, particularly in the executive branch.
Chronic underrepresentation
Women hold only 22.4 percent of ministerial positions globally—less than the 2024 target, marking a reversal after years of gradual progress. Fourteen countries have achieved gender parity in government, while eight countries still do not have a single female minister.
Women hold 27.5 percent of parliamentary seats, only slightly higher than the 2025 figure of 27.2 percent. Women are also losing ground in parliamentary leadership: as of January 2026, there were 54 female speakers worldwide, or 19.9 percent, a decrease of almost four points from the previous year.
Hostility and intimidation
Female politicians face increasing hostility and intimidation online and offline: 76 percent of female parliamentarians report receiving threats (compared to 68 percent of men), which is deterring women from participating in politics.
Even after reaching leadership positions, women often find themselves concentrated in "traditional" social sectors: they head 90 percent of ministries dealing with gender equality and 73 percent of ministries dealing with family and children's affairs. Men almost completely dominate the ministries of defense, interior, justice, economy, administration, health, and education.
“At a time of growing global instability, escalating conflicts, and a backsliding on women’s rights, excluding women from political leadership weakens societies’ ability to respond to current challenges,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bacchus. “When women participate in leadership, countries become more stable, decisions are more effective, and societies are more resilient.”
Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary-General Martin Chungong noted that quotas and political will remain key tools for accelerating change, but men and women must work together to change political culture and break down stereotypes.
Despite slow progress, women around the world continue to expand their political participation. Removing structural barriers—discriminatory laws, violence against women in politics, unequal access to resources, and changing negative social norms—will be crucial to achieving equal political leadership.
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