Creating a gender-sensitive Parliament
There are a number of ways to create gender-sensitive Parliaments, allowing for an inclusive diverse Parliament which caters to a variety of people.
But first, what are the main barriers to women entering politics?
Parliament today: Women in politics in 2025
Only 27.2 per cent of parliamentarians in single or lower houses are women, up from 11 per cent in 1995.
Only six countries have 50 per cent or more women in parliament in single or lower houses: Rwanda (64 per cent), Cuba (56 per cent), Nicaragua (55 per cent), Andorra (50 per cent), Mexico (50 per cent), and the United Arab Emirates (50 per cent).
A further 21 countries have reached or surpassed 40 per cent, including nine countries in Europe, six in Latin America and the Caribbean, five in Africa, and one in Asia-Pacific.
Globally, there are 21 States in which women account for less than 10 per cent of parliamentarians in single or lower houses, including three lower chambers with no women at all.
Women hold 36 per cent of parliamentary seats in Latin America and the Caribbean and make up 33 per cent of parliamentarians in Europe and Northern America. In sub-Saharan Africa, there are 27 per cent of women legislators, followed by Eastern and South-Eastern Asia with 23.5 per cent, Oceania with 20 per cent, Northern Africa and Western Asia with 19 per cent, and Central and Southern Asia with 17 per cent of women Members of Parliament.
Information sourced from UN Women.
What are some simple policy recommendations that can help women access Parliament?
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy highlights several pathways to ensure women engage with politics:
It is especially important to note that these suggestions do not take into account different experiences of minority groups. When working with women from a range of backgrounds, it is paramount that intersectionality is understood and encouraged and that the support required may be vastly different.
Political apprenticeships: Policymakers should invest in opportunities for paid work experience for women interested in political leadership, particularly prioritising minortiy groups or those with disabilities. Ensuring that these opportunities have flexibility embedded in them would also allow those with multiple responsibilities to benefit from them.
• Targeted leadership development: Political parties should invest in ongoing and embedded leadership development programmes which support the growth of women’s political skills and build networks and resources that they will need to successfully become candidates for election.
• Family preparation and inclusion: The development of preparation courses and networks to support the family members of aspiring political leaders could provide additional preparation, encouragement and resources that would enable women to act on their impetus for political leadership.
Sponsorship and mentorship: Long-term mentorship programmes are needed to de-mystify the political process and sponsorship must recognise that women often need to be asked more than once to run for leadership roles. Ongoing mentorship from a diverse range of people is important for addressing fears and concerns that motivated women may have and in recognising that mentorship needs to adapt to the different stages of the pathway to political leadership.
• Targeted financial support and funding: Governments and political parties should continue to reduce the cost of campaigning, but there also needs to be targeted and individual support designed to reach women who have the desire to enter leadership roles but face financial barriers in acting on this motivation. This financing needs to address the additional expenses incurred as a result of candidates’ other responsibilities, such as money to help pay for additional childcare that would allow them to invest time in their political work.
But what about making sure women stay in Parliament?
There are several simple policy recommendations that can empower women to stay in parliament:
The Access to Elected Office Fund previously provided funding to ensure that disabled people get the funding they need to contest elections on a level playing field with other candidates.
Provision of dedicated car parking bays for MPs with young children would be a simple way of making parliaments more family-friendly and a small step towards reducing the burden on MPs who are also the primary carers of their children.
Provision of a nursery to enable MPs to access childcare nearby.
Regular audits on accessibility and safety in Parliament, which include audits on sexual harassment, bullying and access to the parliamentary building for those with disabilities.
A behaviour and or code of conduct which outlines disciplinary measures for bullying and harassment.
Training and mentorship programmes for MPs from minority groups in Parliament