News

The Graphic Truth: Female governance gap

Ari Winkleman

March is International Women’s History month, but while women account for just over half the world’s population, the overwhelming majority of political leaders and policymakers globally are men. In fact, there are just six countries where women make up more than 50% of the national legislature, and only 31 countries (out of 193 UN member states) in which a woman is either head of state or head of government. Furthermore, only one G7 country - Italy - currently has an elected female leader. While some countries have introduced controversial gender quotas at various stages in the electoral process as a bid to increase female participation, there's lots of progress still to be made. Here's a look at the facts and figures.

More For You

- YouTube

As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the global economy, one question is becoming increasingly urgent: who will actually benefit? Recorded at the 2026 AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, this special Global Stage conversation brings together leaders from the United Nations, Microsoft, and the scientific community to examine how AI can help tackle some of the world's biggest challenges, from disaster preparedness and climate resilience to humanitarian response and sustainable development.

Flagbearer Sergey Tetyukhin of Russia arrives for the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 8, 2016.
REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

The International Olympic Committee provisionally lifted its ban on Russia participating in the Olympic Games on Tuesday, opening the door to Russian athletes competing in both individual and team sports at the in Los Angeles Games in 2028.

Will Fitzpatrick

Temperatures forced race organizers to relax regulations and allow greater assistance from team cars.