Women’s political participation and leadership

In 2024, women accounted for only 22 per cent of parliamentarians across the Commonwealth. This underrepresentation persists despite women’s proven leadership, their role as agents of change, and their right to participate equally in democratic governance.

Across the Commonwealth and around the world, women continue to face barriers that limit their participation in political and public life, including unequal access to leadership opportunities, political violence and harassment, discriminatory social norms, and a lack of access to networks and mentorship.

How we support women’s political participation

Our work on leadership and participation is guided by Commonwealth commitments to democracy, human rights, gender equality and youth participation, including those set out in the Commonwealth Charter.

Under the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, we are developing a new programme to support women’s political participation and leadership, with a particular focus on young women.

The programme aims to help create more inclusive institutions, policies and processes that support women’s full and effective participation in political life. It will provide skills training, networking and mentorship opportunities, policy and legislative support, and practical knowledge resources to help improve women’s access to politics and leadership.

Programme objectives

Strengthen the skills and confidence of women and young women to participate equally in political life.
Increase access to knowledge, networks, mentorship and opportunities that support women’s political participation and leadership.
Promote inclusive policies, institutions and practices that improve women’s access to political participation and representation.

Areas of support

The programme provides support across the following areas:

Resources

We develop and promote practical resources, research and knowledge products that support women’s political participation and leadership. These resources highlight promising practices, lessons learned and innovative approaches from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, helping governments, institutions, civil society organisations and aspiring women leaders access evidence and tools to advance gender-inclusive leadership.

Essential:

Other Resources:

Introduction

These resources highlight promising practices, lessons learned and innovative approaches from across the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, helping governments, institutions, civil society organisations and aspiring women leaders access evidence and tools to advance gender-inclusive leadership.

Training and upskilling

We provide opportunities for women to build leadership, advocacy and political engagement skills. Through training and mentorship opportunities, women gain practical knowledge, build confidence and develop networks that can support their participation in politics.

Convening and partnerships

We use Commonwealth platforms and partnerships to elevate women’s voices, promote peer learning and strengthen collaboration on women’s political participation and leadership. Through Commonwealth meetings, forums and networks, we bring together women leaders, policymakers, parliamentarians, youth representatives and practitioners to share experiences, exchange good practice and identify solutions to common challenges.

Recent engagements

Democracy, government and law

Gender

Social development