The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 46,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 181 national parliaments
Throughout the year, the IPU and its Members organize many events for parliamentarians to exchange good practices, acquire the latest information and identify avenues for action.
The IPU has been collecting data on parliaments since its inception in 1889, including information on women’s participation in politics since 1945. In this section, discover the IPU's knowledge bank for and about parliaments.
Gender-sensitive parliaments: Advancing gender equality to end poverty
Summary
10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 17:00 (New York time)
The theme of the Parliamentary Meeting is “Gender-sensitive parliaments: Advancing gender equality to end poverty”. The meeting will provide an opportunity to bring a parliamentary perspective into the CSW68 discussions by showcasing parliamentary engagement in formulating laws, policies and budgets that specifically address poverty with a gender lens and ensure public financing advances the empowerment of women and girls. Members of parliament from around the world will share observations and practices in the areas of poverty alleviation, taxation, access to credit and resources for women. The meeting will also serve to underline the imperative of having gender-sensitive parliaments and of fostering law-making environments that proactively address and rectify gender disparities. Participants will exchange with their peers and experts on how to deepen their work in all of these areas.
In addition to the annual Parliamentary Meeting, the IPU is inviting you to participate in the following side events