The Liberal Party has acknowledged its "problem with women", with a confidential report calling for it to have 50 per cent female representation in Australian parliaments by 2025.

A federal executive report warns the party risks losing relevance if it doesn't lift female participation, and paints a damning picture of the barriers women face within its own ranks. These include a perceived "boys' club" culture; occasional chauvinistic behaviour from men; and party processes designed to "keep outsiders out" and "perpetuate the power of those who hold political positions".

Malcolm Turnbull with women in his cabinet after they were sworn in on September 21. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The report rules out following in Labor's footsteps by setting quotas to get more women elected – insisting this would be "entirely inconsistent with the argument for merit" – but recommends an aspirational national target of 50 per cent.

At present, about 22 per cent of Liberal MPs in Federal Parliament are women. But the report says that while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's appointment of more women in the ministry "is an indication of the party's determination to address the current imbalance", much more needs to be done.