The global average of the proportion of women in the lower houses of national parliaments is 26%.
Gender inequality in high public and private positions continues to exist, although in recent times it has tended to decrease slightly. The global average of the proportion of women in the lower houses of national parliaments is 26%, according to the latest data collected in January 2022 by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The parliament with the highest female representation is Rwanda, with a percentage of 61.3%. After the 2018 elections, women occupy 49 of the 80 seats that make up its Lower House. The tragic genocide in Rwanda in 1994 left nearly a million dead, with a female population of between 60% and 70% of the total population. Upon its completion, the country implemented a series of measures with the aim of promoting gender equality. Nearly 10 years later, with the new Constitution of 2003, gender equality was enshrined as a fundamental principle. It was decided to comply with a 30% participation of women in the decision-making bodies of the State; a figure that has doubled to exceed the current 60%.
In second place among the countries with the highest percentage of women in its Lower House is Cuba, with 53.4% of the seats held by women, up to 313 seats out of a total of 586. The third position in this ranking is occupied by Nicaragua, with a concentration of 50.6%.
The United Arab Emirates and Mexico share the same position, with a female presence of 50%. In the case of the Latin American country, women hold 250 seats out of a total of 500, while in the Middle Eastern country, women hold 20 of the 40 global seats. With regard to Europe, the country with the highest participation of women in parliament is Iceland, with 47.6%, behind New Zealand, sixth with 49.2%. Grenada and South Africa are ranked eighth and ninth in this selection, with 46.7%.
According to these data, Spain is in position number 18, with a concentration of women of 43%. Specifically, there is a female presence in 150 of the 349 seats in the Congress of Deputies, after the last elections held in November 2019.
9. South Africa
Together with the Caribbean country Grenada, South Africa has a percentage of 46.7% of seats held by women in its parliament.
8. Pomegranate
Granada has a percentage of 46.7% of women in the lower house, with a female presence in 7 of its 15 seats.
7. Iceland
The average proportion of women in the lower house of the Icelandic parliament is 47.6%.
6. New Zealand
After the last elections in October 2020, 49.2% of the seats are held by women.
5. United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates the percentage of seats held by women is 50%, up to 20.
4. Mexico
Mexico has a percentage of 50% women in the lower house, with a female presence in 250 of its 500 seats.
3.Nicaragua
The average proportion of women in the lower house of the Nicaraguan parliament is 50.6%.
2. Cuba
After the last elections in March 2018, 53.4% of the seats in Cuba are held by women, up to 313 out of 586.
1. Rwanda
Rwanda leads this ranking with a concentration of 61.3% women in the lower house. In total, the female presence rises to 49 of the 80 seats available.
