Facts and figures: Women’s leadership and political participation

Women in executive government positions

As of 1 September 2026, there are 28 countries where 30 women serve as Heads of State and/or Government [1]. At the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years [2].
Just 20 countries have a woman Head of State, and 19 countries have a woman Head of Government [3].
Data compiled by UN Women show that women represent 22.4 per cent of Cabinet members heading Ministries, leading a policy area as of 1 January 2026 [4]. There are only 14 countries in which women hold 50 per cent or more of the positions of Cabinet Ministers leading policy areas [5].
The most commonly held portfolios by women Cabinet Ministers are Women and gender equality, followed by Family and children affairs, and Social inclusion and development [6].