June 30th: International Day of Parliamentarism

About

On this International Day of Parliamentarism, we spotlight the urgent need for gender equality in African parliaments. This year’s theme, “Achieving Gender Equality, Action by Action,” is a call for consistent, deliberate reform, not just rhetoric.

Despite progress in a few countries, women remain underrepresented in legislative bodies across Africa. As of 2025, only 1 in 4 African MPs is a woman. While Rwanda leads globally with over 60% women in parliament, countries like Nigeria still fall below at 4%.

The gap isn’t just about numbers, it’s about real influence. Women are often excluded from committee leadership, budgetary decisions, and key policymaking roles. Many parliaments lack the tools and commitment to pass or implement gender-sensitive laws.

Why it matters:
Gender-equal parliaments create more inclusive laws, address issues like gender-based violence and maternal health, and reflect the true diversity of society. Equality is not optional; it is essential for democratic growth.

What’s working:
Countries that enforce gender quotas or adopt proportional representation systems tend to perform better.

But much more is needed, action by action:
Legal reforms to support women in politics, stronger gender accountability from lawmakers, political party reforms, leadership pipelines, and citizen-led pressure to prioritize gender equity in lawmaking.

At Legis360, we’re committed to using data and technology to close the gap, one bill, one vote, one voice at a time.

This June 30, we call on African parliaments to move beyond promises and take concrete steps toward inclusive, gender-responsive governance.