Proponents of Modernization theory claim that modernization brings greater gender equality in all sectors of society including politics. However, globally women are marginal in all spheres of politics regardless of the level of modernization within countries. There is no country either developed or developing that has ensured equal participation of women in politics. This comparative study aims to analyze the status of women as elected representatives in Australia and Bangladesh. It finds that with few exceptions, women in Australia and Bangladesh have to overcome similar barriers to their participation in elected office. Furthermore, the similarity in issues facing women entering politics in both countries, despite tremendous cultural and socio-economic differences, indicates that the barriers appear to relate to universal challenges to participation of women in politics, more specifically to patriarchal structures and values.