Gender Parity and Representation

The lack of women leaders and representatives is a significant issue globally. A recent UN Women report highlights that gender parity in national parliaments is projected to take another 63 years, and achieving equal rights and opportunities for women could take 171 years.

• Globally, women currently hold only 27.4% of parliamentary seats.
• Women's representation in national Cabinets decreased to 22.4% in 2026, down from a peak of 23.3% in 2024.
• Important portfolios like economy, health, education, and defense see minimal women's participation: 
  • 19.5% of economy ministers are women.
  • 26.3% of health ministers are women.

Impact on Society

Sima Bahous, the UN Women executive director, suggests that the concentration of power in institutions that exclude women limits societal potential. The gender gap is not accidental but by design, stemming from unequal laws and stereotypes.

• Countries with over 20% women in parliamentary seats observe better immunization rates and child survival rates.
• Women address gender equality more frequently than men at international debates, influencing discussions on care, health, and parental leave.

Challenges in Technology and Corporate Sector

Women are underrepresented in technology, especially in artificial intelligence, where they make up only 22% of professionals and 14% in leading positions.

• Only 5.8% of CEOs in publicly traded companies are women.
• Women hold 25.1% of corporate board seats.
• Global venture capital deployment to female-only founding teams was just 2.3% in 2024.

Call for Action

Li Junhua emphasizes that investing in gender equality and accountable institutions is crucial to realizing the 2030 Agenda's goals of equal power.

Economy of Discrimination

• Portfolio share of women cabinet ministers globally (as of January 1, 2026): 
  • Home Affairs: 11%
  • Defense: 12%
  • Justice: 18%
  • Economic Affairs: 19%
  • Health: 26%
  • Education: 29%