A study conducted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in collaboration with UN Women revealed a significant slowdown, and in some cases even a regression, in the representation of women in politics, especially in executive power. Currently, women hold only 22.4% of ministerial positions worldwide, which is a decrease compared to 2024 and indicates a setback after a long period of slow progress.
Gender equality in governmental structures has been achieved in only 14 countries, while eight countries still have no women ministers. In parliaments, women occupy 27.5% of seats, which is slightly higher than last year (27.2%). However, there is a decline in parliamentary leadership: as of January 2026, women speakers account for 19.9% (54 individuals), which is nearly four percentage points lower than the previous year.
Women in politics face increasing hostility and intimidation both in real life and online: 76% of women parliamentarians report receiving threats, while among men this figure is 68%. This situation deters many from participating in political life.
Even when women hold high positions, they are often concentrated in "traditional" areas such as gender equality and family issues: 90% of ministries for gender issues and 73% of ministries for family affairs are headed by women. At the same time, men almost completely dominate in key areas such as defense, internal affairs, justice, economy, governance, healthcare, and education.
