LocationsAdvancing human rights: Breaking Barriers of Women’s Leadership in Decision Making in Mongolia
April 27, 2025
Advancing human rights
Breaking Barriers of Women’s Leadership in Decision Making in Mongolia
For over 50 years, UNDP has been a trusted partner and advocate for human rights in Mongolia. In the early 2000s, we supported the establishment of Mongolia’s National Human Rights Commission, laying the foundation for institutional protections. Fast forward to 2024, and Mongolia marked another landmark moment for human rights—particularly women’s rights.
For decades, Mongolian women’s presence in politics remained disproportionately low. They had the skills, ambition, and vision to lead, but deeply ingrained social norms and structural barriers kept them from decision-making roles.
That changed in June 2024, when Mongolia’s parliamentary elections saw a historic leap—women now hold 25.4% of seats, an 8% increase from the previous term. For the first time, Mongolia surpassed the Asian average for women’s political representation, edging closer to global standards.
This milestone was not luck or coincidence—it was the result of years of dedicated effort, strategic partnerships, and targeted interventions. And it was made possible through the support of KOICA US$ 5,7 million, and UNDP’s core funding that enabled us to stay and deliver for decades.
The Challenge: More Than Just Numbers
Youth express their support for gender equality in decision-making in Mongolia.
On the surface, Mongolia seemed to be doing well in gender equality. Compared to many other countries in the region, Mongolian women had relatively high education rates, strong economic participation, and legal protections. Yet, when it came to political leadership, the gap was undeniable.
The problem ran deeper than laws or policies. Social norms reinforced the idea that leadership was not a woman’s place. Women were expected to prioritize family over public service. Even when they ran for office, they faced discrimination, media bias, and financial barriers. Breaking these barriers required more than legal reforms—it demanded a shift in mindsets, systems, and structures.
A Bold Initiative: Addressing Barriers from All Angles
Recognizing that this challenge cannot be addressed by simply focusing on one barrier, UNDP-KOICA project worked to dismantle all the barriers that had kept them out for so long.
1. Challenging Gender Stereotypes & Shaping Public Perception
A nationwide campaign tackled harmful gender norms head-on. Through education, media engagement, and community outreach, public perception of women in leadership began to shift. Aspiring women leaders received leadership training and mentorship, building their confidence and readiness to step into public roles.
2. Building a Powerful Women’s Leadership Network
The project established the National Women’s Leadership Network, connecting over 3,000 women leaders across the country. More than just a support system, this network became a movement, empowering women to exchange knowledge, amplify their voices, and advocate for policy change.
3. Securing Political Commitments for Systemic Change
Political will was crucial. Without it, even the best efforts would stall. Through relentless advocacy, Mongolia’s 10 leading political parties signed a pledge to support gender equality in decision-making.
This led to concrete legal reforms:
- Gender quotas for Parliament increased to 30% in 2024 and will rise to 40% in 2028.
- Political parties are now required to submit gender-balanced candidate lists and report on their gender equality progress.
- Parties that exceed the quota receive state budget incentives, ensuring gender inclusion is not just encouraged but rewarded.
Then and Now: A Transformative Shift
When UNDP supported the establishment of Mongolia’s National Human Rights Commission over two decades ago, women’s representation in Parliament was under 10%. Today, it has more than doubled.
This is not just a victory for women—it is a victory for all 3.5 million Mongolians. More inclusive leadership means stronger policies, better governance, and a democracy that reflects the voices of all its people.
What’s Next? Sustaining the Momentum for Gender Equality
The success of Mongolia’s 2024 elections proved that when systems change, opportunities for women expand. But this is not the end of the journey—it is just the beginning.
To continue this progress, Mongolia must remain committed to the legal reforms that have been introduced, encourage more women to step forward and lead, not just in politics, but in all areas of decision-making, and strengthen the networks, alliances, and mentorship programs that have already been built.
This is not just Mongolia’s victory. It is a powerful example for the world—proof that with the right support, gender equality in leadership is not just an aspiration, but an achievable reality.