Women's political representation has reached historic highs globally, yet this statistical progress masks the reality of women’s systematic exclusion from meaningful power. This disconnect between numerical presence and actual influence is one of the most significant barriers to democratic progress, particularly across the Global South.
This new research by the Trust, Accountability and Inclusion (TAI) Collaborative, written by Trimita Chakma, recognizes a critical distinction often overlooked in funding strategies: the presence of women in political office does not guarantee support for gender equality or feminist policies. Many women politicians operate within and reinforce systems that perpetuate gender-based exclusion. This report is designed for funders as a guide to advancing women's substantive political participation, and focuses on supporting women leaders who actively challenge structural inequities rather than simply increasing female representation, regardless of policy orientation.
Despite women making up 27% of parliamentarians globally, they face systematic exclusion from meaningful influence. Women achieve formal positions of authority but are systematically denied access to real decision-making power over policy and governance. The power gap is stark: women overwhelmingly lead gender equality ministries while men control defense, finance, and foreign affairs—the primary levers of state power. Even countries with impressive representation statistics can mask systematic suppression of women's actual political agency.
