Suche
Mein Konto
Parity now: Women demand equality in the Bundestag!
On June 24, 2025, the #ParityNow action day will take place in Berlin to combat the underrepresentation of women in parliaments.
Parity now: Women demand equality in the Bundestag!
On June 24, 2025, an important day of action will take place in Berlin under the motto “ParityNow!” instead of. Initiatives like this are urgent because, despite the fact that women make up 51% of the eligible voter population, they are severely underrepresented in German parliaments. The proportion of women in the German Bundestag fell to just 32.4% after the 2025 election. In other words: Germany is still a long way from equal representation the parity one notes.
Over 80 organizations, led by the former President of the Bundestag Prof. Dr. Rita Süssmuth, support this day of action. This initiative aims to stop the silent decline in the number of women in politics once and for all. Nevertheless, the path to equality remains rocky: The 2023 electoral law reform did not lead to binding regulations for equal representation, which, according to the initiators' demands, makes a fundamental "parity electoral law reform" necessary.
Background of underrepresentation
The underrepresentation of women in politics is not a new phenomenon. Even 100 years after the introduction of women's suffrage, women remain very much in the minority in political office. Loud BMFSFJ In 2025, the proportion of women in state parliaments was on average 33.2% and in local parliaments it was only 30.5%.
The situation in the mayor's office is particularly striking, where the proportion of women across all federal states is only 13.5%. This shows that certain federal states in particular, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with 18.3%, are leading the way, while Saarland is far behind with only 6.6%.
Obstacles and challenges
The reasons for the underrepresentation are complex. Female politicians often report that balancing work, family and political office is a major challenge. In addition, many political cultures have a male-dominated tone, which makes access more difficult for women. According to a study from 2022, 40% of female politicians have experienced sexual harassment in the political environment, and the figure is even 60% for those under 45. These experiences contribute to many talented women turning away from a political career.
The “ParityNow!” action day! aims to draw attention to these issues and promote exchanges on appropriate measures to strengthen women's political participation. Programs such as the “Municipal Action Program – Women in Politics” and the Helene Weber Prize are intended to support women and impart the necessary skills. In addition, the project “Women. Diversity. Politics. Shaping local democracy” was launched to specifically address the existing discrepancy.
More information about the “ParitätNow!” initiative. and the possibility of participating in the day of action via live stream can be found on the website ParityNow.