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Knowledge

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.

The IPU's publications are primarily meant for parliamentarians and policy makers. They range from general information, practical handbooks, to infographics. Many of the publications are available in multiple languages.

On Parline, the IPU has pooled all of its data into one hub, allowing the user to see trends over time, as well as compare progress or regression between different regions of the world. The data covers a wide range of themes; for example, the number of chambers, a monthly ranking of the women in parliament, the number of laws initiated by parliament and the average age of MPs.

The IPU also has a database of all its resolutions, declarations or outcome documents that underline a common position from IPU Member Parliaments. 

Publications
Download the IPU’s wide range of publications, designed for parliamentarians and policy-makers. If you would like to translate one of the IPU’s publications or order hard copies, please contact [email protected].
About IPU
The IPU grew in 2023 with the accession of the parliaments of Liberia and the Bahamas, its 179th and 180th Members respectively, as well as many observers and partners signing up to join or rejoin our global parliamentary community. This, together with the multiple events and initiatives that we organized in 2023, in which thousands of parliamentarians and stakeholders from all over the world participated, demonstrates that the IPU is becoming yet more inclusive, in line with its strategy to develop richer parliamentary ecosystems for democracy, for everyone. Read more highlights of the year in the Impact Report 2023
Summary of facts and figures on the participation of women in parliament in 2023. Access the publication Read the press release
In 2023, progress on women’s representation in parliament was slow and mixed. Globally, the share of women MPs stood at 26.9% on 1 January 2024 – only 0.4 percentage points higher than it was 12 months earlier. This represented a
Parline Data

Open data on national parliaments. You can consult and compare data on national parliaments including information on structures, working methods, gender parity, women’s caucuses, youth and MPs’ human rights.

Resolutions and outcomes

Most IPU events end with a resolution, a declaration or an outcome document that underlines a common position from IPU Member Parliaments

 

Women in Politics

Facts and figures about women's participation in parliament.

IPU Innovation Tracker
The Innovation Tracker is a blog about recent innovations in the way parliaments do their work. It is where MPs and staff find ideas for solving some of the problems they face in running an effective parliament. 
Database on Women’s Caucuses

Women’s caucuses or parliamentary groups are mechanisms that have been created within the parliaments of many countries to strengthen cooperation among women engaged in political life.

iKNOW Politics

The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics is an online workspace to help elected officials, candidates, political party leaders and members, researchers, students and other practitioners interested in advancing women in politics.