Meaning of constitute

[Colombina]

Dear teachers,

Please explain to me the word "constitute" in this sentence.
"Women constitute approximately 9 percent of parliamentary representatives in industrialized countries and
12 percent in developing countries."

Thanks very much.

Colombina

[Conchita]

Here, the verb 'constitute' means make up, compose, be. Thus, the sentence could be changed to:

Women are approximately 9 percent of...