Updated figures published by UN Women on 15 September 2026 show that women remain significantly underrepresented in political decision-making worldwide, despite progress in women’s political participation over recent decades.

As of 1 September 2026, women serve as Heads of State and/or Government in 28 countries, with 30 women holding these positions. According to UN Women, at the current rate of progress, gender equality in the highest positions of political power will not be reached for another 130 years.

Women also remain a minority in national governments. As of January 2026, women accounted for 22.4 percent of cabinet ministers leading policy areas. Only 14 countries had reached or exceeded 50 percent women among cabinet ministers in these positions.

In national parliaments, women currently hold 27.5 percent of seats globally, compared with 11 percent in 1995. However, progress remains uneven. Only seven countries have reached at least 50 percent women in their single or lower parliamentary chambers, while in 21 countries women account for less than 10 percent of parliamentarians. UN Women estimates that, at the current pace of progress, gender parity in national legislative bodies will not be achieved before 2063.

Women’s representation is also limited at the local level. Data from 147 countries show that women make up 36 percent of elected members of local deliberative bodies. Regional differences remain significant, with women’s representation ranging from 41 percent in Central and Southern Asia to 19 percent in Western Asia and Northern Africa.

UN Women also points to evidence that greater participation by women can influence political priorities and policy outcomes. Research cited by the organization found that local councils led by women in India had 62 percent more drinking-water projects than councils led by men. The organization also notes that legislated gender quotas have contributed to higher levels of women’s representation in both national parliaments and local government.

The figures highlight the continued gap between women’s participation in political life and their representation in positions of decision-making power, despite progress made over recent decades.

Source: UN Women
Facts and figures: Women’s leadership and political participation