WOMEN IN POLITICAL LIFE
Batoul Khalifeh 
2022-07-04 🗀 Motherhood, 15 minutes
If you have been wondering why most women shyly participate in the political affairs of their own countries, then this will clearly help you well.
As Welfare policies had been strictly constructed, women’s traditional position as wives and mothers got progressively reinforced. Women have dramatically struggled over the years with so many issues, deeply affecting them on the moral and the civil levels, where they were unfairly deprived, in the 19th century, of their simple rights to own properties and to freely vote. And as we move forward in the 21st century, women are still prohibited from having the freedom to mindfully abort, get equal pay, and most importantly obtain custody.
As Welfare policies had been strictly constructed, women’s traditional position as wives and mothers got progressively reinforced. Women have dramatically struggled over the years with so many issues, deeply affecting them on the moral and the civil levels, where they were unfairly deprived, in the 19th century, of their simple rights to own properties and to freely vote. And as we move forward in the 21st century, women are still prohibited from having the freedom to mindfully abort, get equal pay, and most importantly obtain custody.
Importance of women’s representation in politics
Accordingly, the meaningful participation of women in the national, local, and community leadership roles has become an important focus of global development policies. Women’s presence, participation, and representation in all spheres of life are vital in fully realizing their role as agents and beneficiaries of development.
Women easily comprise half of the country’s population, and yet they hold only about one-fifth of governments’ elected positions. While women in governmental key statuses have shown that they are capable and effective as their male counterparts in assuming leadership and decision-making roles, men cannot always protect nor fully represent the interests and rights of women considering their differentiated needs, issues, socialization, and experiences. That’s why, promoting women’s representation in elected bodies allows societies to fastly progress in development and nation-building, by ensuring the fair governance of having access to equal resources and results and consequently outcomes for both women and men, girls and boys.
Still, some may ask why it matters if women equally become political leaders, elected policymakers, or civil society activists. Why does the world need more women involved in all aspects of the political process?
Women’s role in the struggle for equal opportunities highlights the positive effects of feminism on the social reconstruction of sex and gender that was caused by a number of important historical events and developments. That’s why it is obvious that women play an important role in shaping the world today. Yet when they have no voice and they are underrepresented, their ability to change or make a difference is very low.
Women’s role in the struggle for equal opportunities highlights the positive effects of feminism on the social reconstruction of sex and gender that was caused by a number of important historical events and developments. That’s why it is obvious that women play an important role in shaping the world today. Yet when they have no voice and they are underrepresented, their ability to change or make a difference is very low.
The underrepresentation of women in governmental committees poses a significant obstacle in addressing persistent issues related to gender and ethnic biases, child care, divorce, education, rape, and domestic violence. Given the qualities often associated with women, such as emotional intelligence, compassion, and nurturing tendencies, their absence in decision-making bodies can hinder the resolution of these crucial matters. It is imperative to recognize the importance of women’s serious participation in politics and government, as it ensures that essential issues are not overlooked. Consider the following points:
- Diverse Perspectives: Women bring unique perspectives and life experiences to the table, enriching discussions and policymaking processes by considering the specific needs and challenges faced by women, children, and marginalized communities.
- Representation and Advocacy: Women in politics can serve as strong advocates for gender equality, challenging systemic biases and working towards inclusive policies that address issues such as gender-based violence, equal pay, and access to quality education.
- Legislative Priorities: Women’s active involvement in government allows for the prioritization of critical concerns, including childcare support, reproductive rights, healthcare access, and support for survivors of domestic violence.
- Role Models and Inspiration: Women in leadership positions can serve as role models, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in politics, dismantling gender stereotypes, and fostering a more inclusive political landscape.
By actively involving women in politics and government, we create an environment where diverse voices are heard, policies are shaped with inclusivity in mind, and vital issues affecting women and marginalized communities receive the attention they deserve. It is through this collective effort that we can strive for a more equitable society.
Why do we face slow representation for women in the political life?
The slow increase in women’s representation in politics may be attributed to prevailing patriarchal norms and values, and gender stereotypes. It has often been said that politics is more the realm of men than women. Gender stereotypes that consider women weak, emotional, and indecisive – undesirable qualities in negotiation and decision-making – discourage voters from voting for women candidates. At the same time, the “multiple burdens” experienced by most women, wherein they bear most of the responsibility for performing domestic duties while they engage in political, economical, and social activities discourage women themselves from running for public office.
Importantly, although there is a large variation across countries, gender inequality in political empowerment is documented in every region worldwide. That’s why women’s representation is crucial in the realization of development goals for it is through their participation that their voices are heard, and their issues, concerns, and perspectives are made an integral part of the decision- and policy-making processes that affect their lives. Nonetheless, social, economical, and structural barriers that hinder women’s full participation and representation still exist. Institutional barriers refer to systemic, structural, or policy-based barriers that block women’s political participation.
On another level, another issue that prevents women from running for office is campaign funding. Women are normally at the lower end of the pay gap and do not have the networks or means to pour money into campaigning. The country’s electoral system, which follows a “first-past-the-post” or plurality system where the winner takes it all, affects the preference of political parties or groups to finance male candidates who are perceived to have higher probabilities of winning the election. The difficulty of women in finding sufficient resources for costly electoral campaigns tends to
hinder them from running for elective government positions. Also, an elective office can oftentimes demand round-the-clock commitment, preventing women who are the traditional nurturers in the home from committing.
It is important to ensure that women’s representation will not only be a token. The challenge is to form a critical mass of women in elective positions so that their voices will be heard. At the same time, measures should focus on building the capacity and enhancing the leadership and decision-making skills of women to be able to effect change and influence policy discussions.
No country prospers without the engagement of women. We need women’s representation that reflects all women and girls in all their diversity and abilities, across all cultural, social, economic, and political situations.
Now, How do you think we can further improve the participation of women in politics? What is your own personal contribution to this crusade? Share your thoughts with us and Let’s start a conversation that matters!