The IPU Plan of action for gender parity in parliaments is a roadmap to achieve 50:50 representation, equal power and a parity-based political culture in legislatures worldwide. Adopted by the IPU Governing Council in October 2025, the Plan reflects a parliamentary vision of women’s equal and inclusive representation in decision-making. It draws on more than 40 years of IPU work and data to address the persistent gaps in gender parity in parliament.

The Plan is structured around the three dimensions of gender parity: parity in numbers; parity in influence and power; and a parity culture. Recommendations include constitutional guarantees and gender quota legislation aligned with electoral systems, equal access to leadership positions, and stronger enforcement and incentive mechanisms to boost women’s representation.

It also proposes measures to tackle sexism, harassment and violence against women in politics and to create gender-sensitive, family-friendly parliamentary workplaces.