Breaking barriers: Advancing women’s leadership in politics

Women’s engagement in political conversations and ideologies remains a rare occurrence, whether in casual tea shop discussions or professional settings. Their voices are often absent in the corridors of power, and their contributions to decision-making processes remain marginal. At present, only 27 countries are led by women, a modest increase from 18 a decade ago, while 107 nations have never had a woman leader. Globally, women hold only 27 percent of parliamentary seats, with gender parity projected to take another 39 years to achieve.

This disparity persists despite decades of international efforts to guarantee women’s political rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) assures equal access to public service, while CEDAW (1979) guarantees women the right to participate in public life, vote, and stand for election on equal terms. It also ensures their right to represent governments internationally without discrimination. Similarly, the ICCPR (1966) upholds civil and political equality, while Article 25 emphasizes every citizen’s right to participate in public affairs. The Beijing Declaration (1995), though non-binding, aims to achieve gender equality in politics. The UNSC Resolution 1325 highlights women’s roles in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and governance, while the ICESCR (1966) extends equality to economic, social, and cultural rights. Regional frameworks such as the Inter-American and European conventions also affirm women’s political rights.

However, these legal frameworks, though comprehensive, remain largely symbolic. The persistent lack of progress highlights the entrenched nature of societal and structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s political involvement. Patriarchal norms, gender biases, and cultural traditions undermine these commitments, creating a stark gap between theoretical policies and practical realities. Structural issues, including inequitable electoral systems and resource constraints, further marginalize women, limiting their participation in governance and leadership roles.

One major obstacle is the double burden many women face, juggling careers alongside household responsibilities. Societal norms confine women to traditional roles, reducing their capacity to pursue public careers. The psychological toll of harassment—both online and offline—further deters women from entering or remaining in political spaces. Stereotypes portraying women as less capable leaders perpetuate discriminatory practices and undermine their confidence and credibility. These challenges are exacerbated by media narratives that focus disproportionately on women’s appearance or personal lives, diminishing their political image and reducing their appeal to voters.

Access to resources remains a critical barrier. Women often lack the financial means to compete with male counterparts in political campaigns, a disadvantage compounded by electoral systems that favor incumbents. Male-dominated political environments and party structures further discourage women’s entry and progression in politics, sidelining them from key decision-making roles. This systematic exclusion results in women being relegated to token positions or roles with limited influence, which only reinforces their underrepresentation in meaningful leadership.

The absence of women in politics is not due to a lack of capability or ambition but rather a result of these deeply rooted cultural, economic, and institutional barriers. Their exclusion perpetuates a system that prioritizes male dominance, hindering the progress of gender equality and stalling the development of inclusive governance.

Addressing these challenges requires a multipronged approach. Education and awareness campaigns can inspire women to view politics as a viable and rewarding career path. Implementing mandatory gender quotas in political representation can provide a starting point for more equitable participation. Equal access to financial resources is critical to leveling the playing field, enabling women to mount competitive campaigns and pursue leadership roles with confidence.

Creating gender-friendly policies in workplaces and political environments is another vital step. By addressing harassment and fostering inclusive spaces, women can feel safer and more supported in their political pursuits. Media reform is essential to shift focus from superficial narratives to the policies and achievements of women leaders, helping to build their credibility and public image. Additionally, networking platforms for women can foster mentorship, collaboration, and mutual support, empowering aspiring leaders to overcome systemic barriers.

It is also necessary to reform electoral systems to ensure they are inclusive and equitable. Many systems currently favor incumbents, which disproportionately benefits men who dominate political spaces. By redesigning these systems to encourage broader participation, women can gain more opportunities to enter and succeed in politics. Political parties, too, must adopt more inclusive practices, actively encouraging women’s participation and ensuring they have equal access to leadership opportunities.

The underrepresentation of women in politics is not simply an issue of individual choice but a reflection of societal and institutional failures. Breaking these barriers requires a collective effort involving progressive policies, structural reforms, and societal re-education. Only by dismantling these obstacles can we unlock the untapped potential of women as political leaders and decision-makers.

The time to act is now. By transforming symbolic commitments into substantive actions, we can move toward a democracy that is genuinely inclusive and representative. Women’s voices and leadership are essential to building societies that are equitable, just, and reflective of the diversity within them. Only by addressing the root causes of their exclusion can we ensure that democracy is not merely a promise but a lived reality for all.

Aslesha Luitel 

BA LLB IInd Year

Kathmandu School of Law