The line graph illustrates the changes the percentage of female members of parliament in five European countries over the period from 2000 to 2012, at 4-year intervals, measured in percentage.
Overall, increase trend can be observed throughout the period. While Germany consistently remained the dominant category, Italy experienced the most dramatic growth and eventually overtook the UK. By contrast, Italy remained the lowest throughout the timeframe.
In 2000, Germany emerged as the leading category, standing at approximately 31%, while Spain and Belgium followed at approximately 27% and 23% respectively. By comparison, the figures for Italy were far less significant, at approximately 3%. However, the subsequent years witnessed significantly changes. While Spain rose sharply to around 36% in 2004, Belgium followed a similar trajectory, eventually reaching approximately 35% by 2004.
In contrast to the trends observed in the countries, Italy followed a different pattern throughout the timeframe. Although starting from a relatively low base, Italy experienced substantial growth, rising from around 3% by 2004 to 23% by 2008. By the end of the timeframe, Belgium had consolidated its position as the dominant category at approximately 38%, whereas Italy and UK remained the lowest, standing at only around 23%.