Here’s on Why women remain underrepresented in political leadership positions
Where women lead Fortune 500 firms, command military battalions, and steer global economies, their faces are infrequent in politics. Even decades since the women’s movement, women continue to be disproportionately underrepresented in parliaments, cabinets, and executive governments around the world. Why is a man’s game politics?
Historical and Structural Barriers
Women’s underrepresentation in politics is so ingrained that its roots reach back to centuries. Men had established politics institutions for men centuries before. Even today, institutions like these—which are predominantly patriarchal institutions—are not welcoming to women. Electoral institutions, parties, and parliamentary cultures are not welcoming to women, and they must work doubly to be given respect as leaders.
The Power of Perception
Stereotyping on the basis of gender is responsible for most women’s exclusion from politics. Decisiveness and assertiveness are excellent qualities in a man to exercise leadership but unacceptable qualities in a woman. Women politicians must adhere more closely to standards of appearance, tone, and style of private life, and the overwhelming majority must walk a thin line between being “strong enough” and “likeable enough.” The double standard discourages women from joining or staying in politics.
The Financial and Institutional Gap
Politics doesn’t come cheap—and women shortchange themselves on the cash. Fundraising networks advantage traditionally male incumbents. But most of all, women might be lacking political patronage and networks that propel them to higher career rungs. Without money and institutional backing, even capable women leaders can get derailed.
The Balancing Act
Social opinion about family life and care also exists. Women still bear unequal housework loads, little room being left in the busy political agenda. Without such facilitating policy as parental leave, flexible time, or child care in legislatures, politics is a hill too high for working mothers and caregivers.
Changing the Narrative
There is progress, naturally, following the disillusionment. Iceland, Finland, and New Zealand showed that it was feasible and possible to attain gender-balance in the government. India’s Women’s Reservation Bill—33% women’s representation in Parliament and the state assemblies—is a step towards inclusivity. Jacinda Ardern, Sanna Marin, and Mamata Banerjee have shown that sensitivity and efficiency do not constitute conflicting values in political governance.
The Way Forward
To make representation a fact, institutional transformation must occur. Political parties must struggle to recruit and train women, governments must extend equal opportunity in terms of resources, and citizens must overcome prejudice that holds women in leadership positions. Above all, society has to be liberated from the mentality of women being the exception in politics—women are the future of representative politics.
Conclusion: Women’s underrepresentation in politics is not a shortage of talent or ambition—it’s the consequence of centuries-old social and structural obstacles. But through increased awareness, policy reform, and progress towards equity across the globe, change is impending. The politics of the future must be one in which women are not the exception when decisions are being made on the world’s most significant discussions but equal participants in shaping the world’s most significant debates.
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