Politics

The development of women in politics has came a long way from where it started. In this episode the challenges that women faced then and now concerning politics, along with inspirational stories of women who actually faced the different challenges, will be discussed.

Overcoming obstacles

As humans we all have political rights which is what protect us from the government, social organizations and private individuals. Women have overcome a great amount of struggles when it comes to their political involvement. Simple things such as; being able to vote, using their law degree to the fullest potential, or even receiving benefits for military work that is due to them many women were not able to do in the early 1920’s. As the world progresses women become more able to express their political rights, however, it does not mean that the discrimination against women is over. Some places in the world still require more effort into reducing (or even stopping) the discrimination, but, it is a major improvement when majority of the world has made some improvements.

In decision making processes at all levels, women are underrepresented. This happens despite their proven abilities as leaders and promoters of change, and their right to engage in democracy equally. Leadership positions have traditionally been held primarily by men. Leaders' predicted qualities and abilities, such as assertiveness, dominance or rational thinking, are generally related to male characteristics, so leadership is normally associated with men. Women also face obstacles to political involvement, such as restrictive legislation, stereotypical roles and perceptions of gender, inequitable household support, and much more. You can read the occurring stereotypes in our `Stereotypes´ episode.

„My mother didn't get a higher position at her job. They told her they needed a man for it, because it was a position that implied a lot of responsibilities and she was not capable of them.”

„Women are perceived as not competent enough to work in management positions.”

Responses from our Gender Equality Survey

Decision making positions

An significant requirement for effective democracy and good governance is the equal participation of women and men in politics. The inclusion of more women in political decision-making, apart from improving and enhancing the democratic system, has many beneficial effects on society that can help improve the lives of women and men. The benefits include more equal communities and inclusive governance, higher living standards, positive growth of education, health and infrastructure, and a reduction in political corruption.

In politics, gender equality does not generally achieve an equal share of seats and roles. Although the number of women in parliamentary seats around the world has been steadily increasing in recent years, women still hold a relatively smaller proportion of parliamentary seats than men do. Women make up fewer than one out of five Parliamentarians. Worldwide 22% of parliamentary seats are women. A disadvantage of having a low percentage of women is that decisions on policies are often made without a woman’s perspective, which lead to policies not being able to fulfill a woman’s needs. On the other hand, when women are in local government, it makes a difference when it comes to benefits that are suitable for both, male and female. Also, better relationships are built with certain organizations or branches of government that helps women.

For example, women have gradually increased their share of top leadership roles in political institutions and public administration in the EU over the past decade. The graph below shows the progress made at

the local, regional, national and European levels since 2003.

Overrepresentation of men

• The current European Parliament consists of 63% men, which is almost 200 more male than female Members of the European Parliament.

• In 10 EU Member States men make up at least 80% of the national parliament (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Ireland, Latvia, Hungary, Malta, Romania and Slovakia).

• In 2015, there were only 3 women heads of state in the EU, in Croatia, Lithuania and Malta.

• In 10 EU Member States all major political parties are led by men (Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia).

• Across the EU, 85% of mayors are men.

Strong women in Politics

„I think more women should be involved in politics for the good of human race.”

Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese politician, diplomat, author, and a 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

President of Libera

Sirleaf is Africa's first elected female president. In 1972, with a scathing message against the authoritarian government at her alma mater, she began her political career, then went on to serve at the Treasury Department and later became its Finance Minister. She stood for president, but lost to a political rival accused of war crimes, even after she was placed on a 30-year ban from politics. Soon afterward, for her own safety, she sent herself into exile. She won the presidential election in 2006, and re-elected again in 2011. The same year, she was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, shared with Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman, for her "non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work."

Aung San Suu Kyi

State Counsellor of Myanmar

Suu Kyi assumed the role of opposition leader against General Ne Win, the Burmese dictator. Speaking out against him, she led a non-violent democracy and human rights campaign. She worked in Myanmar to spread democracy and created the National League for Democracy. But in 1989, to block her from interacting with the outside world, she was placed on house arrest for 15 years. In 1991, she received the Nobel Peace Prize and was released in 2010 from house arrest. She continues today to run for democracy in her country.

Beata Szydło

Prime Minister of Poland

Szydło, the daughter of a coal miner, became the youngest mayor of Poland's Małopolska area at the age of 35, and later became the chief of the Traditional Values Law and Justice Party, which opposes further European Union influence. After spearheading Andrzej Duda's effective presidential campaign, she began to gain popularity (he took office in 2015 and is still serving). In 2015, Szydło was sworn in as Prime Minister.

Park Geun-hye

President of South Korea

Among other achievements, Park's status as the first female president of South Korea gained her the #11 slot on Forbes' Most Influential Women list (and #43 overall). While reeling back from the sinking of the Sewol ferry, which took place during her tenure, Park spearheaded a free trade agreement between Canada and an Asian nation, reportedly the first of its kind.

Women trying to make a change

„There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

Michelle Obama, American attorney, author, First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017

This video is produced by college students that came together to share their stories about their experiences. They also discussed about a group that was created for women in politics.

Why is politics not working for women - the 5 Cs

Research shows that women’s underrepresentation in politics boils down to:

• Confidence: women - for a variety of highly rational reasons - have more doubts putting themselves up for election

• Candidate selection: once women agree to run, it’s often difficult for them to get an electable spot on the election list.

• Culture: politics is a men’s world. Sexism is rampant and external threats - women - are often not welcome.

• Cash: when women run for election, their campaigns often receive less funding than their male counterparts

• Childcare: across the EU, women spend double the amount of time on childcare compared to men

What can we do to support women in politics?

• Confidence: Invest in women. Set up ambitious training and mentoring programs.

• Candidate selection: Establish quota or zipping system in order to ensure gender balanced lists. Head-hunt women candidates.

• Culture: Establish a zero tolerance to sexism with clear channels for report sexual harassment.

• Cash: Provide earmarked funding for women candidates until equal representation is reached.

• Childcare: Change the “long hours” culture in politics. Provide childcare facilities.