United Nations, June 24 (IANS): A staggering 113 countries worldwide have never had a woman serve as head of state or government, and only 26 countries are led by women as of Monday, according to UN Women's global data on Women Political Leaders 2024.

Despite progress, women are still "largely excluded" from positions of power and diplomacy, with the highest levels of influence and decision-making predominantly occupied by men, UN Women said in a press release about the data.

Globally, women's underrepresentation in decision-making remains "a stark reality," according to the release.

UN Women's new data on gender parity across leadership positions is published as the world commemorates the International Day for Women in Diplomacy on June 24, created to recognise and celebrate how women are breaking barriers and making a difference in diplomacy.

As of January 1, 2024, only 23 per cent of ministerial positions are held by women and in 141 countries women make up less than a third of cabinet ministers. Seven countries have no women represented in their cabinets at all.

Male dominance in diplomacy and foreign affairs extends to the permanent missions to the UN, where women remain underrepresented as permanent representatives, reports Xinhua news agency.

As of May 2024, women held 25 per cent of permanent representative posts in New York, 35 per cent in Geneva, and 33.5 per cent in Vienna.

"Our work is guided by the belief that when women lead, the world is better for all people and the planet. As many countries head to the polls this year, we all must put women first, at the pinnacle of power, where and when it matters the most. Women's equal participation in governance and leadership is key to improving lives for all," said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous.

Electing and appointing women in leadership positions "signals strong political will for gender equality" and demonstrates a collective commitment to tackling the challenges the world faces today, said the release.

"As we prepare to mark 30 years since the passage of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the world's most progressive blueprint for advancing women's rights, UN Women continues to work to ensure women lead and thrive in shaping and driving positive change, including through occupying the most senior positions of power," it added.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.