Women's political participation and leadership at the national, sub-national and local levels are critical for reaching gender equality and a foundation for sustainable development. In 2024, nearly half of the global population - 3.6 billion people - participated in major elections. Yet, it was also a year that witnessed the slowest growth in female political representation in two decades.

Capacity building for women in local government

CLGF and its partners have been working to support capacity building for women in local government, as well as prospective women candidates, however, it is also essential to address the systemic barriers which are holding our societies back from achieving a more equal representation. Within this context, the Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network is committed to working both with local government associations and political parties to address systemic barrier and implement gender transformative approaches.

As part of this commitment CLGF is partnering with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to deliver a first session on Women’s Political Participation – The Role of Political Parties on 6 March 2025, 13.00 UTC.

How to register

To register for the webinar please use this LINK

Political parties are often referred to as the ‘gatekeepers’ of democracy and on women’s participation and representation in politics. They are responsible for coordinating candidates to run in elections and are widely considered as having significant power when deciding who gets elected positions of political influence and decision-making. The session will bring together elected women and technical experts from across the Commonwealth to share their experience with a focus on strategies and practices that deliver results.

Slowest growth in two decades

With the slowest growth in female political representation in two decades, 27 newly elected parliaments now have fewer women than before the elections, including in key Commonwealth nations such as India, Pakistan, and South Africa. In a historic first, even the European Parliament saw a decline in the number of women elected. This setback highlights a troubling reversal in the progress toward gender equality in politics.

Acceleration action

In the week leading up to International Women’s Day (IWD) with the theme of Accelerating Action the Commonwealth Women in Local Government Network and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Network look forward to this important discussion on how to actively move the dial on women’ political representation.