 Gender equality in politics, what does it mean? Do you know that only 23% of the world's politicians are women? The lack of female political leaders on the world stage is all too visible. You have to look no further than the 2017 family photo from the G20. Of the 36 people in the picture only four were women. According to FOM.org, Rwanda is a surprise leader in female political participation. Its position at the top of the list of countries with the most female parliamentarians, 49 out of 80. The evidence of gender discrimination is rooted in history, tradition and culture. While the female sex constitutes slightly more than 50% of the population, only 14 of the total 200 governments, or 7%, are headed by women. Around the world, women are closing the gender gap in areas such as health and education, but significant gender inequality persists in politics. Democracy is not democratic without equality, while women in politics experience violence and intimidation. UN Women in 2016 identified four ways to increase female participation in government. First, setting numerical targets for women in leadership positions. Second, expanding and diversifying the pool of qualified and capable women able to run for election. Third, increasing awareness of the benefits that women in politics bring, and finally, encouraging support for them among governing institutions. And well, with more balanced societies, we are better able to gain peace and prosperity.