The International Women’s Day is around the corner – a time to celebrate women, advocate for women’s rights, and for many, search when the International Men’s Day is.
Despite record levels in political representation, we are nowhere near true parity. The global share of women in politics is below 30%, but even the desired 50% might not bring true equity – after all, quantity and quality are two different things.
Women in power doesn’t automatically mean equality
Statistics usually focus on descriptive representation – the number of women elected to political positions – without accounting for their commitment to policies that advance gender equality. On the other hand, substantive representation means electing politicians who are actively advocating for policies that drive real change for women, no matter their gender identification.
It’s a spectrum: from Petra de Sutter, a gynaecologist by training who has been advocating for women’s sexual and reproductive health both at the EU level and in Belgium, through Giorgia Meloni, whose politics divide feminists, all the way to Alice Weidel – a gay woman leading AfD, Germany’s far-right, nationalist party. Increased descriptive representation is always a step forward, but it’s the policies and actions of those in power that truly matter.
Barriers that still exist
Despite progress, women in politics continue to face sexism, media scrutiny, and systematic barriers. Research shows that female politicians often receive harsher scrutiny than their male counterparts – with disproportionate focus on tone, appearance, and personal lives over their policy objectives. Beyond these perceptions, mentorship, access to political networks, and decision-making spaces are also key arenas needing attention.
While there is no homogeneous ‘female’ way of leading in politics, and there are female leaders who are proactive on key issues other than gender politics, the advocacy of gender equality allows the playing field to be evened out. Without institutional support, cultural shifts, and stronger policies, breaking these barriers will continue to be a battle.
How can we drive real change?
So, is it simply enough to have women run the world? Descriptive representation tells us it is not. Progress requires more than just electing women – instead, we might see more positive change for gender equality through:
- Voting for substantive leaders who not only fit a demographic, but prioritise equity,
- Supporting policies that remove barriers, like the Pay Transparency Directive and adequate parental leave policies allowing equal opportunity for women,
- Recognising and amplifying substantive female leaders by raising awareness about them and their political activities.
On this International Women’s Day, we remind you that gender parity isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about ensuring that those in power use it to create real, lasting change. The double edged sword of representation shows us that you don’t have to be a woman to be a source of progress.