Women’s Political Empowerment

Expert estimates of the extent to which women enjoy civil liberties, can participate in civil society, and are represented in political life.

Scale: 0 to 1 (higher = more empowered).

Direction of Change

CONSISTENT LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT IN WOMEN’S POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT

The Index shows a steady rise in women’s political empowerment in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1995 to 2024. Beginning from a low baseline in the mid-1990s, values increase rapidly through the early 2000s, followed by a consistent but moderate upward trajectory across the next two decades. Although year-to-year fluctuations appear, the long-term pattern is one of gradual improvement, with the index reaching its highest levels after 2015. By 2020–2024, Bosnia and Herzegovina records significantly stronger outcomes than at the outset, though still below the levels observed in more politically inclusive systems. Overall, the trend reflects measurable gains in women’s rights, participation, and representation, but not a transformation in the broader political environment.

Global Rank

Compared with all geographic entities listed in the Index

Note: Population-weighted averages for Europe and the world.

Regional Rank

Compared with six former Yugoslav countries and Albania

Note: In 1995, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo were part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

1995 (highest → lowest): Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2024 (highest → lowest): Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo.

Conclusion

Women’s political empowerment in Bosnia and Herzegovina has risen steadily since 1995, reaching its highest levels in 2015. Yet, it still falls short of the standards set by more inclusive European political systems.

Source: V-Dem (2025) – processed by Our World in Data.