For centuries, politics has remained a field dominated by men. However, today, we see women around the world fighting against all odds to make their voices heard and stepping into leadership roles, reshaping our political landscape.
Road to representation
Nevertheless, there is a long road towards reaching political representation, and it hasn’t been easy. In many countries, women have fought for decades to gain the right to vote, let alone run for office. While the suffrage movement of the 20th century laid the groundwork, achieving fundamental political parity remains a work in progress for many. As of 2025, women make up approximately 27.2% of the national parliamentarians on a global scale, which might be an increase from history, but is still far from equal representation.
Why it matters
It is not only about representation. Encouraging and making sure that women are in politics is about the results. Research has consistently proven that when women are involved in political decision-making, policies tend to be more inclusive, notably in areas such as healthcare, education and family welfare, sectors that impact national and local well-being for all communities.
In situations where a crisis arises, such as natural disasters and pandemics, women leaders were praised for their effective and empathetic leadership. Such instances are particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where several women-led countries showed swift and effective responses, such as New Zealand (led by Jacinda Ardern) and Germany (under Angela Merkel)
Barriers that remain
Despite the world progressing, there are still significant challenges that remain such as
- Gender-based violence and harassment
- Media bias and sexist portrayals in the press
- Unequal access to campaign financing
- Deep-rooted cultural and societal expectations
These barriers not only deter women from entering politics, but also create obstacles for those already in the system.
The future
The world needs to encourage the forthcoming generations of women to pursue political roles, and this requires systemic changes, such as equitable education, support networks, reforms in political institutions, and a cultural shift in how we view and treat female leaders. This includes programs that mentor and fund women candidates, as well as efforts by the public to combat misogyny in politics. This is all so that when young girls see leaders who look like them and speak for them, they will lead with strength and grow the political sphere to be more inclusive and just.
Local Focus
Even on local levels like Calgary, these challenges are apparent. According to Alberta’s Status of Women Report, female representation at municipal and provincial levels remains under 40%. We need accessibility to stronger mentorship programs, youth leadership opportunities, and civic education initiatives to inspire young women to lead.
To improve gender equity in Calgary politics, we need to advocate for:
- School-based civic engagement education
- Scholarships and leadership training specifically for girls interested in politics
- Local campaigns that highlight and celebrate women in city leadership roles
Change starts from within ourselves, and, by extension, to our local communities; it is only then that we can think about global change.
Sources:
- Inter-Parliamentary Union. (2025). Women in parliament 1995–2025. Retrieved from https://www.ipu.org/resources/publications/reports/2025-03/women-in-parliament-1995-2025
- UN Women. (n.d.). Women in politics. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/women-in-politics
- Inter-Parliamentary Union. (2025, March 11). Political leadership roles in 2025: Men continue to dominate. Retrieved from https://www.ipu.org/news/press-releases/2025-03/political-leadership-roles-in-2025-men-continue-dominate
- UN Women. (n.d.). Women in politics. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/women-in-politics
- Government of Alberta. (2024). Status of women in Alberta: Annual report 2023–2024. Retrieved from https://www.alberta.ca/status-of-women-annual-report.aspx