Gender equality is both an essential development goal and a driver of human development. Achieving equitable representation of women, especially in decision-making positions, remains an ongoing challenge. The need to increase women’s presence in positions of political responsibility is becoming more and more pressing.

This global report presents available national data and presents an analysis of barriers to the equitable representation of women and their presence in decision-making positions in public administration. It also highlights examples of potentially effective approaches and makes recommendations for future action.