Balance for better: Advancing women’s political leadership

Studies suggest that when women serve as political leaders, governments are not only more inclusive but also are better at delivering public services. In India, IGC researchers find that women legislators are less likely to be corrupt and more efficient at completing projects.

However, from the local to the global level, women’s leadership and political participation are restricted. Women are underrepresented as voters, as well as in leading positions, in elected office, the civil service, the private sector, and academia. Globally, just three countries have achieved gender parity in their national parliaments, and while the proportion of women in parliaments has more than doubled since 1995, it still stood at only 23% in 2016.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, IGC convenes a high-level panel to explore the challenges women face in aspiring to become political leaders, how to encourage women’s political participation, and the benefits of more inclusive political systems.

Chair

Linda Yueh  – Visiting Professor at LSE IDEAS