A record number of women have been elected to represent Australia at the most recent election.
As of May 12 2025, results across both houses show that women will make up 50.5% of Parliament.
Source: The Daily Aus
HOW DOES THE WORLD COMPARE?
In 2025, there are only six countries that have gender parity or more women in parliament.
Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union
Overall, these are the regional averages of women in national parliaments
In the Americas, the averages are
- Caribbean: 41%
- North America: 38.9%
- South America: 31.9%
- Central America: 30.8%
In Europe, the averages are
- Nordic Countries: 44.8%
- Western Europe: 36%
- Southern Europe: 31.2%
- Central & Eastern Europe: 25.7%
In Asia, the averages are
- Central Asia: 26.5%
- East Asia: 23.7%
- South East Asia: 23.1%
- South Asia: 15.6%
In the Middle East and North Africa, the averages are
- Middle East: 17.7%
- North Africa: 15.1%
In Sub-Saharan Africa, the averages are
- East Africa: 32.1%
- Southern Africa: 30.7%
- Central Africa: 25.2%
- West Africa: 18.2%
In Oceania, the averages are
- Australia & New Zealand: 45.1%
- Pacific Islands: 7%
Overall globally, women are vastly underrepresented in decision-making positions in government, though there has been improvement over time.
As of 2024, an average of 27% of seats in parliament are held by women.
Source: World Bank
THE PACIFIC REGION
Countries in the Pacific have the lowest levels of women’s political representation in the world.
Less than 7% of Pacific politicians are women.
WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO PARTICIPATION?
Traditional patriarchal systems in social and political life perpetuate negative gender stereotypes and creates barriers to women’s full participation in several fields. Politics, particularly, is seen as traditionally male work.
Women politicians state they face significant amounts of harassment, violence and threats of violence.
In PNG, Fiji and Solomon Islands, one study found that nearly all female participants had experienced violence whilst campaigning.
In the 2022 PNG Election, it is alleged that voters, particularly vulnerable voters, were harassed or intimidated into not voting, or voting a certain way.
There are often questions surrounding the accuracy of voting. In the 2022 PNG Election, 50.1% of votes went to one candidate in the highlands, however, less than 50% of people actually voted.
UNDERREPRESENTATION
Globally, there are 21 countries in which women account for less than 10% of parliamentarians.
Source: UN Women
Some countries have no representation at all.
There are three countries - Oman, Tuvalu and Yemen - with no women at all in parliament.
Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union
At the current rate of progress, gender parity in governments will not be achieved before
WOMEN IN POWER
As of 2025, there are 25 of 193 countries where women serve as Heads of State and/or Government.
At the current rate of progress, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for at least another
WHY DOES GENDER PARITY MATTER?
GENDER EQUALITY: Gender parity in governments is a critical step in achieving gender equality across all aspects of society.
ENHANCED REPRESENTATION: Gender parity promotes a more inclusive and representative government, so that the voices and experiences of women are heard.
BETTER POLICIES AND SERVICES: Including women in government ensures policies can better address the specific needs of women.
ECONOMIC GROWTH: Studies have shown that gender equality in government can lead to increased economic productivity and growth.
EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN: Achieving gender parity is essential for the empowerment of women and enabling them to participate in decision-making and the political process.
Equality Insights is the flagship program of the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA) to redefine how poverty is understood and measured and to inspire inclusive, social change for gender equality.
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