Some may feel repugnant when they see the title and think about how much or what a woman can do when they enter into politics. It is a fact that even though some people support women entering into politics, deep inside them they will not give the same support as male candidates. The active participation of women, as same as man is required and we can foresee the future where men and women share their works in all areas. Men and women have similar facilities and capacities and yet women once denied their right to choose people who should rule them. The difference in sex may asset itself in family relationships, but there is no reason at all for it to assert itself in cultural, political, emotional, or commercial matters. The very idea of restricting women to work connected with the home is motivated by a desire to bring increased freedom to the male population. It is crucial to building strong communities and a vibrant democracy where women and men can grow. From local to global level women are still underrepresented as voters and leading positions and this situation persist despite their proven abilities as a gentle change and the right to participate equally in democracy. There have been a few cases of brave women who have struggled for their rights, but a completely developed or established movement began towards the end of the 18th century. It’s now and only after years of struggle and discrimination that the women in some parts of the world left their confines of the house and came forward to participate in politics.
From suffragettes to modern-day feminists, both men and women have fought very hard for the rights of women to vote and hold office. As of 2015, women of every country have to right to vote and the very first country that made their women vote was New Zealand in 1893 and the last country was Saudi Arabia which was in 2015. As of 2016, only two countries have more than 505 women in parliament, Rwanda with 64% and Bolivia with 53%. Today, as we can see, several countries are led by women, and many countries like Finland, have a cabinet which is led by women. But recognizing the fact that the progress is in an uneven and a slow manner we as an individual who wants to make gender discrimination an end should try and support women as much as we can. When we give a closer look, women are still diminished in politics, parliaments, and public life. Women make up less than about 23 % of parliamentarians, with an average of 18% in Arab regions where men and women make up more than 775 leaving a more than 50% gender gap. Attitude towards women candidates are still largely characterized by deeply ingrained stereotypes, and the political opponent usually uses these stereotypes to question women’s capabilities. Women’s skill says expertise and knowledge are crucial resources for political parties but once again they are underutilized especially when parties are insufficiently represented by women. The way that addressing the gender gap in the workplace makes good business sense and using the gender gap in politics makes good political sense and thus it definitely benefits political parties. But it is a fact that women face several barriers to participate in political life. Several discriminatory laws are there which pull back women from running the office. It may feel like a surprise to know that even their own political parties do not support their female candidates the same way they support their male candidates.
There are several women who crossed their barriers who faced several problems and came to a position. “The Iron Lady Of India” is the very first face which comes into our mind when we discuss women and politics. Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru is the first and only woman to hold the highest post in India as the prime minister on January 24, 1966. In 1967 general election was held and the Congress party under her leadership suffered from setbacks and it lost many seats. But in election 1971, she returned to the parliament with a very strong comeback winning 350 seats out of 525. Also, Kamala Harris also made history in November with her election as Joe Biden’s vice president, becoming the first woman, first Black American, and first Asian American to win the second-highest US office. She faced a lot of challenges along the way like mocking her name by Republicans, including Mr. Trump and she was also the target of online disinformation laced with both sexism and racism about her qualifications to serve as president.
Even though there are many restrictions and obstacles to be faced by women when they enter into politics, unlike the earlier times, women today have made the position for themselves in society and they are not just confined to just household chores. They have shown that they are as talented and skilled as men. All they need is the right kind of opportunity and the freedom to choose their decisions in their life. However, even as the women are seeking employment in different areas in today’s time they are also faced with numerous obstacles and barriers. Let us believe what Kamala Harris said in her speech as VP-elect, “I may be the first, but won’t be the last”. Let us hope for the day where no one needs to bring anyone attendance regarding the lack of women in politics.
