Women represent 1.1 billion of Commonwealth peoples, and form the highest number of voters in any election, yet they are the least represented in governance and political processes. Moreover, these political legacies have vested a culture of clinging to power without opportunities for grooming new leaders. Nepotism is rife and transfer of power has seen the devolution to family relatives, a form of 'political monarchy'. As a result, many women remain challenged by these limiting factors, which persistently hinder their participation. In addition, some Commonwealth countries have mainstreamed women into decision-making by recognising their overwhelming contribution in liberation struggles, civil wars and/or protest politics - in Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and South Africa - thereby sidelining academic excellence as a criteria or guarantee to participate in governance.