The line graph illustrates the proportion of female members of Parliament in five European countries—Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and Belgium—between 2000 and 2012. Overall, all countries experienced an increase in the percentage of women in Parliament, although the rates of progress varied significantly.
Germany consistently maintained the highest percentage of female MPs throughout the period. Starting at around 33% in 2000, this figure rose steadily to approximately 37% in 2012. Italy followed a similar upward trend, beginning at roughly 25% in 2000 and gradually increasing to almost 36% by the end of the period, overtaking France by 2012.
France began the period with around 27% of its Parliament consisting of women, ranking second among the five countries. However, its growth was relatively modest compared to Italy, as its proportion only increased to about 33% by 2012.
The UK started with one of the lowest percentages, just under 20% in 2000. Despite this, it showed consistent growth, reaching 25% in 2006 and then leveling off at approximately 27% by 2012. Belgium, initially the lowest performer at just 5% in 2000, experienced the most dramatic rise among all the countries. Its figure surged to about 23% in 2006 and then to nearly 30% by 2012, surpassing the UK.