Women in politics: 2026

The “Women in politics: 2026” map, prepared by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women, presents the latest data on women’s representation in executive positions and national parliaments as at 1 January 2026. The findings highlight the persistent overrepresentation of men in political decision-making worldwide.

Women serve as heads of state and/or government in only 28 countries and account for just 27.4 per cent of members of parliament. At the executive level, women make up 22.4 per cent of cabinet ministers globally, reflecting a regression in women’s representation in cabinets over the past two years.

Data also reveal a clear gendered distribution of ministerial portfolios: while women are more frequently assigned portfolios related to human rights, gender equality, and social protection, men continue to dominate most policy‑making portfolios, including defence, home affairs and justice, all areas of economic affairs, housing and community infrastructure, governance and public affairs, as well as health and education.