Percentage of women (aged 15–49) not involved in major household purchasing decisions

Despite efforts that include affirmative actions and quotas, the gender imbalance in political participation persists in the region, with only 19 percent of seats in parliaments and local governments in the region being occupied by women. Participation and voice at the household level are also important. There is evidence that in some countries over 50 percent of women are excluded from important household decisions ranging from choice of health care to major household purchases.