The graph compares the percentage of female members of parliament in five various countries including Germany, Spain, Belgium, UK, Italy in the years 2000-2012.
Overall, all female parliamentarians experienced an upward trajectory. While the proportion of Germany was leader initially, that of Belgium surpassed and maintained highest degree of change overall. Notably, although Italy possessed the lowest female members of parliament at the beginning, it showed substantial growth among other countries.
In 2000, Germany had the highest proportion of women serving in parliament, at well over 30%, and remained stable till 2008. After that it increased slightly to 33% by 2012. In contrast, Belgium and Spain showed significant rise from 27% and 23% to 36 % and 35 % respectively. Thereafter, Spain decreased modesty the next eight-year period, constituting 35% at the end. Belgium stayed the same until 2008, after that it went up markedly to 38%, hitting its peak and becoming a new leader.
In terms of the UK, in 2000, it started with round 17%, subsequently, there was no change until 2004. By 2012, the share of female members of parliament increased dramatically to 23%. On the other hand, Italy witnessed the most substantial growth, the figure edged up from mere 2% to 23%. Additionally, there was a convergence in the percentage of female members who worked in the UK and Italian parliament at the end.