Women in all their diversity bring essential perspectives to the table, leading to more inclusive policies and stronger societies. Yet, challenges like online violence and systemic obstacles keep many from stepping into or staying in political roles.
At the CSW NGO Forum A must need: women’s political participation and representation event on March 17th, barriers and success stories of women’s political participation where shared by speakers from Ukraine, Brazil, the Netherlands and Mexico. After which we had an interactive dialogue with the audience.
Maryna Rudenko represented the National Assembly of Women of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Women’s Fund. In Ukraine, civil society demanded government to launch gender quotas for women in politics. These quotas were launched in 2015, however these were voluntary and thus not implemented by many political parties to include women on their electoral lists. Despite this, the number of women in local councils increased after the implementation of these gender quota. During the parliamentary elections in 2019, the number of women elected to the parliament increased from 11 to 21%.1 “There are peace negotiations going on, but we do not know what is on the agenda. Whether the gender impact of the war is discussed, and how we can ensure that women are part of the decision-making process.” According to Maryna Rudenko, it is important to have women and civil society represented for just and long-lasting peace globally.
Nahida Bom is an executive with a strong focus on collaboration and inclusivity. As a board member of CDA W She provides program consultancy for the LGBTQIA+ Secretariat at Brazil’s Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship. omen, the women’s network of the Christian democratic and conservative political party in the Netherlands, she advocates for a stronger role for women in politics and leadership. “We must take an active role in shaping the future, ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard, but that they drive real change.” She is active in the Dutch Political Women’s Consultation (Politiek Vrouwenoverleg), which consists of six Dutch political parties that work together across their parties beyond their political differences. Together, they call for equal rights and opportunities for women and men, more women in leadership and politics, stronger policies supporting economic independence, and a political system where women’s voices are not only heard but also valued. Nahida Bom closed: “If we do not stand together now, we risk losing what generations before us fought so hard to achieve.”
Vidda Guzzo is a trans intersex woman and an LGBTI human rights defender from Brazil. She works at Brazil’s Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship. Since Brazil’s democratization in 1988, trans and intersex people have continuously faced obstacles to political participation. But a major breakthrough occurred when trans and intersex people got into electoral politics. She shared an example from 2020 when two intersex candidates ran for office in a collective mandate, where they would share a single seat in parliament. Two years later, in 2022, Brazil elected two trans women to the National Congress for the first time in history. “However, gender norms remain deeply intertwined with the possibilities and limits of political participation.” Vidda Guzzo, shared examples of the relentless violence, stigma, and discrimination—both online and offline – that trans and intersex activists endure in Brazil. “The political participation of women and girls, especially those most marginalized by their gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics, depends on the feminist movement’s ability to embrace an intersectional and creative approach—one that does not leave us behind.” After Vidda Guzzo spoke out about the political gender-based violence against trans and intersex human rights defenders, she experienced a coordinated online attack herself. This is unacceptable and exemplified her key messages. We continue to support her and other human rights defenders in their important work.
Simey Olvera is a senator in the Mexican Congress for the political party Movimiento de Regeneración Nacional (MORENA) since September 2024. She shared that Mexico has made a historic leap in terms of gender equality with the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as its first female president. Sheinbaum wants to advance gender equity, environmental sustainability, and social justice in Mexico. Just recently, in March 2025, the Mexican government launched the Cartilla de Derechos de las Mujeres (Women’s Rights Booklet), a nationwide initiative outlining 15 fundamental rights for women, including freedom, education, health, political participation, and living free from violence. “This booklet aims to promote substantive equality and eliminate gender-based violence by raising awareness nationwide and empowering women to know and exercise their rights” said Senator Simey Olvera.
After these introductory pitches, we divided the room into groups and proceeded with interactive discussions on the key messages presented. We thank the speakers and the audience from amongst other countries, Ukraine, India, Kenya, USA, Canada, France, and Argentina, for their insights.
Women around the world continue to face significant barriers to political participation, despite progress in quotas and representation. Structural challenges such as lack of education, financial constraints to pay for campaigns, online violence, and unpaid political roles—examples where shared from India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the USA—limit women’s access to leadership. In many countries there are signs of regression of numbers of women in politics. Cultural norms and patriarchal systems still restrict the influence of elected women, particularly Indigenous and rural women, as highlighted by participants from Mexico and Argentina.
Best practices are emerging. Quotas in Latin America, like Mexico’s competitive candidate placement law and Argentina’s cross-party “Women in Politics Roundtable,” show the power of legal reform and collaboration. Programs that focus on capacity-building, alliance-building, and feminist leadership are helping women not just enter politics but also influence policy. Efforts like “Vote for Women” campaigns, like in the Netherlands, and feminist networks are key tools. Across regions, sharing experiences and building cross-border solidarity have been critical in tackling violence and building resilience. The goal must shift from just increasing numbers to getting women into power, and ensuring they can stay, act, and lead.
This blog is written by: Yara Bon , Project Lead Politica
