The rights given to equal political participation at all levels of government are recognized in international standards, committed to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and harvests, in recent decades, to the 2030 Agenda for the Objectives of Sustainable Development (ODS) i in concrete at the meta 5.5 of the ODS – “guarantee the full and effective participation of the donors and the igualtat of leadership opportunities at all levels of the presa of decisions in the political, economic and public life” – i the election of indicators for monitor el progrès per aconseguir aquesta fita.
Specifically, indicator 5.5.1b of the ODS recognizes the importance and leadership of the local authority to establish the ODS, because local government, as a result of the decentralization of the legislature, allows for direct, inclusive participation of the different groups from population to local decision-making.
However, both locally and globally, women are underrepresented, not only as voters, but also in decision-making positions, whether in elected office, in public administration, in the private sector or in academia.
When it comes to participating in political life, women face structural barriers created by discriminatory laws and institutions that continue to limit their options to vote or stand for election, and skills gaps that mean women are less likely than men to have the education, connections and resources needed to become effective leaders.
Data from 141 countries show that women constitute more than 3 million (35.5%) of elected members of local deliberative bodies. Only three countries have reached 50%, and another 22 countries have more than 40% of women in local government.
Regional variations are also observed regarding the representation of women in local deliberative bodies, in January 2023: