Theme: Political Empowerment

Delegates with IPU President, Dr Tulia Ackson

Belgrade conference urges action on gender parity in parliaments

Following the success of the first IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Mexico 2025, the Serbian Parliament hosted the second conference from 2-4 June this year. The theme of the conference was “Advancing parity: Breaking the barriers of gender stereotypes and negative social norms”. The conference brought together 193 parliamentarians (155 women MPs and […]

An IPU workshop on gender equality in the Parliament of Mongolia.© Parliament of Mongolia

Gender equality in Mongolia: Spotlight on the State Great Hural

“Gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue, it requires everyone’s leadership,” said Nomin Chinbat, an MP in Mongolia’s State Great Hural (Parliament). “By working together, we are increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles, building a more balanced and equitable future for all.” Nomin was just one of the new cohort of […]

A voting booth in Chad © Joris Bolomey/AFP

How the IPU helped Chad on the road to democracy

Chad’s first elections in more than a decade marked the end of a three-year transitional period and paved the way for a return to parliamentary democracy. It was fitting that the elections came shortly after Haroun Kabadi – former Speaker of Chad’s National Assembly, Head of the National Transitional Council and now President of the […]

© IPU

152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye calls for peace amid Middle East conflict

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) successfully concluded its 152nd Assembly, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye in Istanbul from 15-19 April 2026. The “parliament of parliaments” drew over 1,500 delegates, including more than 720 parliamentarians from 126 countries. Women comprised 37% of lawmakers present. Some 13% of the parliamentarians attending were under 40. The high-level […]

A young activist calling for equality, justice and human rights in South Africa. © Armand Burger

New IPU Report sees youth representation in parliament flatline for first time in 12 years

For the first time in over a decade, global youth representation in parliaments has shown no progress, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) biennial report, Youth participation in national parliaments. The findings come amid growing demands from young people for a greater say in political decisions. The new IPU report reveals that the proportion of members […]

Male and female MPs join the IPU’s campaign ‘Achieving gender equality. Action by action.ʼ © Parliament of Bhutan.

IPU highlights action Bhutan is taking to advance gender equality in its Parliament

Women constitute about 52% of Bhutan’s population, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in its Parliament. While Bhutan’s Constitution is grounded in the principle of equity, and progress has been made in women’s participation in local government and public services, their representation in Parliament has declined in recent years. The IPU report Women in parliament: 1995-2025, highlighted […]

The Istanbul 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosphorus © GNAT

152nd IPU Assembly to take place in Türkiye from 15-19 April 2026

The Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) will convene its 152nd Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 15 to 19 April 2026. Hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the overall theme of the event is Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations. Against a backdrop of unfolding and ongoing wars, with severe humanitarian consequences, in […]