Srinagar, June 27: UN Women’s latest report, Women Political Leaders 2025, reveals a troubling trend: women’s representation in top political leadership is not just stalled—it’s moving backward. The continued scarcity of women serving as Heads of State or Government, as well as in critical ministerial positions, underscores deep-rooted barriers and a shaky, inconsistent commitment to achieving gender equality in political power structures.
The decline in representation is unfolding against a backdrop of global backlash against women’s rights, compounded by widespread violence targeting women in politics both online and offline. This violence, spanning physical spaces and digital platforms alike, deters many women from entering or continuing careers in political leadership, undermining gender equality in representation.
As per data, as of mid-2025, only 27 countries are led by a woman as Head of State or Government. While that marks a slight increase from 21 countries five years ago, a stark reality remains: 103 countries worldwide have never seen a woman reach their highest executive office.
As per reports, Men continue to dominate Cabinet roles that shape national and global agendas, holding the majority of positions in defence (87%), finance and fiscal affairs (84%), and foreign affairs (82%). In contrast, women are most commonly assigned portfolios focused on gender equality (87%) and family and children’s affairs (71%), reflecting persistent gendered patterns in political appointments.
The global proportion of women in ministerial leadership has also fallen, with women now holding just 22.9 per cent of cabinet-level ministerial posts, down from 23.3 per cent in 2024, representing the first recorded decline.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women says “When women are excluded from the highest levels of leadership, we all lose. ” She also believed that world is witnessing the erosion of women’s political leadership and needed inclusive decision-making the most.
UN Women’s analysis also highlights to a growing backlash against women’s rights, creating a hostile environment for female leadership. Both online and offline political violence remains a major obstacle, with women in politics facing rising levels of threats, harassment, and targeted abuse.
The report concluded by UN Women urging the governments and political leaders to take bold, urgent action – through executive appointments, the use of temporary special measures like quotas, and stronger protections against political violence.
