Statistics on Women in National Governments Around the Globe (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 13, 2023 |
| Report Number |
R45483 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Chesser, Susan G. |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
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Summary:
Women and girls make up half of the world’s population; however, in most countries, women are
underrepresented in the political process at the national level. As this report shows, women
currently hold 23.4% of legislative seats around the world, an increase from 11.8% of legislative
seats in 1998 (see Figure 1). As of November 1, 2018, women held 50% or more of the
legislative seats in three countries: Rwanda, Cuba, and Bolivia (see Table 3). At the executive
level, 23 countries currently have an elected female head of state or government. Since 1960,
about 110 women have been elected or appointed as head of the national government in
approximately 70 countries.1
The participation and representation of women in elected government is generally considered
healthy for their communities. As Heather Nauert, then-Acting Under Secretary for Public
Diplomacy and Public Affairs, and State Department Spokesperson, stated in March 2018, “the
low status of women and girls has vast political, economic, and social implications. It can limit
the ability of communities to resolve conflict, countries to boost their economies, or regions to
grow enough food.”
2
Supporting efforts to empower women, the 115th U.S. Congress enacted the Women, Peace, and
Security Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-68) with the aim to increase the participation of women in conflict
prevention and conflict resolution processes as a means to build more inclusive societies and to
help stabilize countries and regions. This act expressed the sense of Congress that “the political
participation, and leadership of women in fragile environments, particularly during democratic
transitions, is critical to sustaining lasting democratic institutions.”
3 Past Congresses have
appropriated funds for programs operated by the Department of State and the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish governments that are representative
and inclusive, as well as programs to empower women politically and economically.4
This report provides a global snapshot of women’s political participation worldwide by compiling
statistics and other information from a variety of sources, including The Global Gender Gap
Report 2018 issued by the World Economic Forum, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the CIA World Factbook, news
reports, and other sources.
