Women and Political Power: Progress or Stagnation?

The dawn of the 21st century was marked by fervent hope for gender equality, especially in the realm of politics. The increasing participation of women in political leadership, from parliaments to presidencies, was seen as a landmark victory for feminist movements worldwide. But over two decades into this new century, the pressing question remains: Are we truly witnessing the solid advance of women into corridors of power, or has progress plateaued, giving way to stagnation? This article delves into the current landscape of women in political power—examining achievements, persistent barriers, and future outlook.

A Snapshot of Global Progress

The past few decades have seen undeniable advances in women's representation in politics across the globe. According to UN Women’s 2023 report, women now account for approximately 26.5% of all national parliamentarians, up from 11.3% in 1995. Some regions—such as Scandinavia and parts of Latin America—boast even higher averages, thanks to the implementation of gender quotas and active civil society advocacy.

Notably, countries like Rwanda, Cuba, and Mexico have set new global records, with women making up more than 50% of parliamentarians. In Europe, nations like Sweden, Finland, and Spain feature cabinets where half of the ministers are women. The symbolic significance of women ascending to the role of President or Prime Minister—think Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, or Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Greece—serves as a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to political leadership.

Why Representation Matters

Gender-balanced politics is more than a matter of equity—it profoundly shapes policy agendas, public trust, and democratic legitimacy. Studies show that the presence of women in politics leads to more inclusive decision-making, prioritization of issues such as education, health care, and violence against women, and higher levels of civic engagement. Female leaders have been recognized globally for their empathetic, transparent, and effective handling of crises, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Persistent Roadblocks: What Holds Back Progress?

Despite these inspiring advances, the pace of change remains exasperatingly slow in many parts of the world. Some worrying trends signal potential stagnation—or even regression—in women’s political participation.

• Glass Ceiling and Sticky Floors: While more women find legislative seats, they are less likely to attain top-tier leadership positions. Only 13 out of 193 UN member states are led by women as Head of State or Government (UN Women, 2023). Additionally, female politicians remain underrepresented in powerful ministerial posts such as defense, economy, and foreign affairs.
• Backlash and Violence: The rise of political violence against women, both online and offline, is a critical barrier. Female politicians face threats, harassment, and cyberbullying at rates far exceeding that of their male counterparts. These toxic environments can deter women from entering or remaining in politics.
• Cultural and Structural Barriers: Deep-rooted stereotypes, traditional gender roles, and patriarchal party structures continue to impede progress. In many countries, political parties resist implementing or enforcing quotas, seeing female candidates as less “electable.”
• Intersectional Gaps: Women from minority or marginalized backgrounds—whether due to ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or disability—face added hurdles, leading to an uneven distribution of gains.

These challenges highlight an uncomfortable truth: symbolic gains do not always translate to substantive power or transformative change. Progress in representation, while necessary, is insufficient without addressing the broader scope of structural inequalities.

The French Experience: Progress or Plateau?

France serves as a compelling case study for examining both progress and persistent obstacles. The adoption of the "parité" law in 2000 mandated gender parity in electoral lists for many offices, resulting in a steady increase of women in the French National Assembly—from less than 12% in 2000 to about 39% in 2022. The symbolism of Édith Cresson’s brief stint as Prime Minister in the 1990s and the current presence of women like Élisabeth Borne at the helm underscores shifting tides in French politics.

Yet, true parity remains elusive. Women are still underrepresented in the most powerful portfolios and mayors of large cities. Political harassment scandals, such as the #MeTooPolitiques movement, have shed light on the sexism and discrimination that persists within the French political class. Moreover, studies reveal a “glass cliff” phenomenon, where women are often promoted to leadership during times of crisis or instability, setting them up for greater scrutiny or blame.

In sum, France, like many democratic countries, teeters between promise and stagnation—its legal framework fosters progress, yet entrenched cultural attitudes and institutional inertia slow its realization.

Policy Solutions to Accelerate Change

To avoid stagnation, experts and advocates identify several policies and strategies that can accelerate gender equality in political power:

• Stronger Quota Implementation: Revising quota systems to include not just candidacy but actual appointments to powerful positions, and sanctioning non-compliance.
• Combatting Violence Against Women in Politics: Enacting laws and mechanisms to protect female politicians and penalize harassment, both in person and online.
• Mentorship and Training: Developing leadership programs that empower women with the skills, support, and networks necessary to thrive.
• Engagement at the Grassroots Level: Investing in civic education and local leadership opportunities for girls and women, especially those from underrepresented communities.
• Media Accountability: Promoting fair, respectful, and balanced media coverage of women politicians to shift public perceptions.

These strategies demand the commitment not just of governments, but of civil society, media, and citizens. After all, democracy can only flourish when its representatives look— and think—like the people they serve.

Conclusion: No Time for Complacency

The journey towards full gender parity in political power is far from over. Notable progress has been made, with more women than ever before entering parliaments and government offices around the world. Inspirational leaders continue to break historic barriers, igniting hope for future generations.

However, beneath these headlines lies a more complex reality: the road ahead is still riddled with obstacles, both visible and invisible. Without active, ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers—legal, cultural, and psychological—the risk of stagnation remains real. Progress is not a straight line; it requires vigilance, resilience, and bold action.

For those who champion democracy, equity, and good governance, the empowerment of women in politics must remain a non-negotiable priority. Building inclusive societies depends on it. The voices and visions of women—across all sectors and identities—are not just welcome in our political life; they are indispensable.

Is the world moving forward with gender parity in politics, or standing still? The answer lies, perhaps, in our collective willingness to keep pushing the boundaries. There is no place for stagnation in the quest for true equality.