By Nyang’au Araka
Women remain significantly under-represented in political leadership across the world, including in Africa and Kenya.
This is according to new global data released by the Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women.
The latest Women in Politics 2026 report shows that only 28 countries worldwide are currently led by a woman Head of State or Government, while 101 countries have never had a female leader.
Globally, women hold just 22.4 per cent of cabinet positions and 27.5 per cent of parliamentary seats, highlighting how political decision-making continues to be dominated by men.
The data was unveiled recently during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Among those attending the session is Essy Okenyuri, a nominated Senator from Kenya.
KPC observes that the findings mirror challenges seen in Kenya, where women remain under-represented in top leadership positions despite constitutional provisions aimed at improving gender balance.
Kenya’s Constitution introduced the two-thirds gender rule, which requires that no more than two-thirds of members in elective or appointive bodies be of the same gender.
However, Parliament and other institutions have repeatedly struggled to implement the rule fully.
Globally, the new report shows that women now occupy 22.4 per cent of cabinet posts, down from 23.3 per cent in 2024, marking a rare reversal after years of gradual gains.
Women’s representation in legislatures has also grown only marginally, rising from 27.2 per cent in 2025 to 27.5 per cent in 2026.
According to the report, this 0.3 percentage-point increase is among the slowest recorded since 2017, underscoring the slow pace of change.
At the leadership level within parliaments, women are also losing ground.
As of January 2026, 54 women serve as Speakers of Parliament worldwide, representing 19.9 per cent of all Speakers, a decline from the previous year.
The report also highlights the hostility women face in politics, with surveys showing 76 per cent of women parliamentarians report experiencing intimidation from the public, compared with 68 per cent of male legislators.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, said excluding women from leadership weakens societies’ ability to respond to global challenges.
“Women bring perspectives and experience that are essential for making better decisions, preventing conflict and building lasting peace,” she said.
Tulia Ackson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, said achieving gender parity is both a matter of rights and effective governance.
“Institutions make better decisions when they reflect the societies they serve,” she said.
Despite the slow progress, the organizations say the growing global conversation around gender equality—including efforts to reform laws and expand women’s political participation—offers hope for stronger and more inclusive democracies in the years ahead.