The Forum of Women Parliamentarians officially opened the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha on 5th October 2026, with over 2,000 delegates from 183 parliaments gathered under the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.
The Forum held in two sessions focused on two critical themes: Gender Perspectives on Disability Inclusion and Violence Against Women in Politics, and Moving from Commitment to Action on Women’s Leadership in Diplomacy and Peacebuilding.
In the morning session, delegates shared practical models for inclusion. Proposals included mandatory employment quotas, university fee waivers and tax exemptions for persons with disabilities, affirmative parliamentary seats, inclusive education with assistive devices, and stronger access to justice for women with disabilities. There was consensus that representation must translate into influence and improved livelihoods, supported by joint work between Women’s and Disability Caucuses.
The afternoon session delivered the Forum’s most striking data point: In 80 years of the United Nations, no woman has ever served as Secretary-General. Since 1945, 48 men and only 8 women have been candidates, with no woman officially considered in the first six decades.
Parliamentarians called on parliaments worldwide to demand gender balanced shortlists for the next UN Secretary General and to pressure governments to uphold gender parity principles.
Contributions also highlighted the implementation gap of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security — only 110 of 193 UN member states have National Action Plans 26 years after its adoption. Delegates noted that peace agreements with women’s participation are 35% more likely to last 15 years.
Data shared showed progress and gaps: women made up only 35% of national delegations at COP 2023, with just 8 of 78 heads of delegation being women. Meanwhile, examples were shared of 66% women in diplomatic service, 41% women in parliament, and women occupying positions of Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Chief Justice and Permanent Representative to the UN in several countries.
The Forum concluded with a unified call: move beyond access to retention, resources, and real influence to ensuring women, including women with disabilities, are supported to remain, succeed, and lead in diplomacy, peacebuilding and governance.
Report by Mr. Ekeh Nnanyere Macfred, MNIPR,
Head, Media Unit & Representative of the National Assembly Library at IPU 153, Arusha, 2026
