This brief focuses on how to promote the inclusion and participation of marginalized groups in public institutions through SDG indicator 16.7.1b that measures representation in the public service. The Covid-19 pandemic has further reinforced the need to ensure representation in public service (health, education, police, administrative personnel), not only as an end in itself but to ensure more effective delivery of services and to regenerate trust in public institutions, reaching the furthest behind first. Using data to understand better who is able to participate in decision-making processes and who is excluded is a first step in addressing some of the structural inequalities that persist across different development contexts.