In a year marked by major elections across 46 countries, female representation in parliaments experienced the slowest growth in two decades, with 27 new parliaments tallying fewer women than before. Notable losses were observed in countries such as the US and Portugal, while Mexico and Namibia celebrated their first female presidents. Despite some gains, the overall increase in women’s representation was a mere 0.03%. Experts cite various barriers, including ambition gaps, lack of funding, and increased violence against women in politics, as reasons for this stagnation.