Despite significant elections in 2024 affecting nearly half the world's population, female representation in politics has seen its slowest growth in two decades, with major losses reported in several nations. Experts suggest barriers like gender biases and violence against women in politics continue to hinder progress.
Stagnation in Female Political Representation Despite Mega-Elections Worldwide
Stagnation in Female Political Representation Despite Mega-Elections Worldwide
A recent report reveals that global female political representation has barely increased during a year marked by major elections in dozens of countries.
As the world enters a mega-election year with 2024 marking significant elections for nearly half of the global population, a disheartening trend has emerged: the growth of female political representation is stagnating. According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the rate of women elected to parliaments across 46 nations has reached its lowest increase in two decades, with several countries, including the US, Portugal, and India, reporting fewer women in office post-elections.
For the first time, the European Parliament also experienced a decrease in female representation, signaling troubling patterns in countries that were previously seen as making strides towards gender parity. Mariana Duarte Mutzenberg, an IPU gender statistic tracker, points out that political progress remains "fragile," as evidenced by the Pacific Island nation Tuvalu, which recently lost its only female parliamentarian and is now without any female representatives at all.
Some areas, however, are seeing encouraging gains. For instance, the United Kingdom, Mongolia, and Jordan have improved their female representation figures, while Mexico and Namibia celebrated the elevation of their first female presidents. Still, overall growth remains limited, with an increase of just 0.03% this year, following a doubling in global female representation from 1995 to 2020.
This year’s elections have not only highlighted ongoing regional disparities but also underscore the impact of electoral mechanisms. Countries employing gender quotas, such as Mongolia, which implemented a 30% quota for women candidates, have seen improved results, with the percentage of women representatives rising from 10% to 25%. In contrast, countries without such measures average 21% female representation.
Challenges extend beyond mere representation; female politicians often face institutional barriers, societal expectations, and financial difficulties. Research indicates that many women lack the ambition or confidence to pursue political roles, requiring encouragement to consider candidacy. There is also a worrying trend concerning safety and violence directed at women involved in politics, notably in Mexico, where gender-based violence aimed at female candidates has surged.
Moreover, societal attitudes, often steeped in traditional gender roles and perceptions of women's capabilities, further complicate the landscape. Reports from South Korea suggest a backlash among young men against women’s empowerment efforts, which can deter female political participation.
Research indicates that representative parity among legislators can yield significant economic and diplomatic benefits, fostering better decision-making and more sustainable peace initiatives. Advocates for gender equality in politics urge a shift in perspective, advocating for viewing the imbalance not as a women’s issue but as an over-representation of men in political spaces.
As elections continue to unfold globally, the collective commitment to addressing these persistent barriers remains imperative for fostering a more equitable political landscape.
