Women in Politics: Challenges Faced by Women as Candidates/Representatives
1. Political Parties: 10% Leadership --> Women (Aurat Foundation)
o Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within political parties.
The Aurat Foundation advocates for a minimum of 10% leadership positions for women
to ensure their voices and perspectives are included in political decision-making. This
quota is seen as a necessary step to bridge the gender gap and promote gender equality
in political leadership.
2. Harassment Against Women
o Female politicians often face harassment that can be both physical and psychological.
This harassment creates a hostile environment that can deter women from entering or
continuing in politics. Reports from various countries indicate that harassment is a
pervasive issue, with female politicians facing threats, verbal abuse, and even physical
attacks.
3. Assassination (Non-acceptance): BB
o The assassination of female political leaders, such as Benazir Bhutto, underscores the
extreme measures taken by some to prevent women from holding power. Such
incidents highlight the dangerous conditions women can face in politics, reflecting deep-
seated resistance to female leadership.
4. Character Assassination
o Women in politics frequently endure character assassination, where their personal lives
and morals are unfairly scrutinized and attacked. This focus on personal rather than
professional aspects undermines their political careers and distracts from their
contributions and capabilities.
5. Less Focus on Their Abilities/Intellect
o There is often a bias that underestimates and undervalues women's abilities and
intellect in the political sphere. This bias results in women being overlooked for key
positions and their contributions being undervalued, leading to a significant
underrepresentation of women in decision-making roles.
6. Decision Making/Policy Making
o Women are frequently excluded from crucial decision-making and policy-making
processes. Their exclusion limits the diversity of perspectives in governance and often
leads to policies that do not fully address the needs and rights of women.
7. Glass Ceiling
o The glass ceiling effect refers to the invisible barriers that prevent women from reaching
the highest levels of political leadership. Despite their qualifications and abilities,
women often find it difficult to advance beyond certain levels due to systemic biases
and institutional barriers.
8. Lack of Equal Representation
o Women are underrepresented in political offices, which leads to a lack of diverse
perspectives in governance. This underrepresentation affects the formulation of policies
and laws, which may not adequately address issues affecting women and other
marginalized groups.
9. Discrimination (PM Youth Initiative, Chairman)
o Women face various forms of discrimination in politics, including initiatives that may
favor male candidates or leaders. Discrimination can manifest in biased selection
processes, unequal access to resources, and preferential treatment of male
counterparts.
10. Limited Resources
o Women often have less access to the financial resources needed to run effective
political campaigns. This lack of resources hampers their ability to compete on an equal
footing with male candidates and limits their visibility and outreach.
11. Culture and Social Barriers
o Cultural and social norms often discourage women from participating in politics. In many
societies, politics is viewed as a male domain, and women who enter the field may face
stigma, social ostracism, or familial pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.
12. Limited Representation
o Overall, women have limited representation in political institutions. This limited
representation perpetuates the cycle of marginalization, as policies and decisions
continue to be made without sufficient female input.
Challenges Faced by Women as Voters
1. Dictation
o Women voters may be subjected to dictation, where their voting choices are influenced
or controlled by male family members or community leaders. This coercion undermines
their autonomy and the democratic principle of free and fair elections.
2. Can't Vote
o In some regions, women are outright prevented from voting due to societal or logistical
barriers. These barriers can include cultural norms, lack of polling stations, or
restrictions imposed by local authorities.
3. ID Cards
o Lack of access to identification cards can prevent women from registering to vote or
casting their ballots. In many countries, obtaining an ID card can be a bureaucratic
challenge, particularly for women who may not have the necessary documentation or
financial means.
4. Awareness
o There is often a lack of awareness among women about their voting rights and the
importance of their participation in elections. This lack of awareness can be due to
limited education, insufficient civic education programs, or social isolation.
5. Transportation
o Transportation issues can hinder women from reaching polling stations, especially in
rural or remote areas. Lack of access to safe and reliable transportation can prevent
women from exercising their right to vote.
6. Violence (CEDAW)
o Women voters may face violence or threats of violence, deterring them from
participating in the electoral process. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) addresses these issues at an international
level, but implementation and enforcement remain challenges.
Proposed Solutions
For Candidates/Representatives:
1. 50/50 Quota
o Implementing a gender quota can ensure equal representation of women in political
offices. This approach mandates a specific percentage of women in leadership roles,
promoting gender balance and inclusion.
2. Engage Men (ASF)
o Engaging men in the process to support and advocate for women's participation in
politics is crucial. Male allies can play a significant role in challenging gender biases and
promoting a more inclusive political environment.
3. Resources/Funds --> Empower
o Providing necessary resources and funds can empower women to run for office and
manage successful campaigns. Financial support and access to campaign resources are
essential for leveling the playing field.
4. Mindset: Focus on Their Work
o Shifting societal and political mindsets to focus on the work and capabilities of women
rather than their gender can help reduce biases and promote merit-based evaluation.
5. Encourage to Join Leadership Roles
o Encouraging women to pursue leadership roles within political parties and government
can increase their representation and influence. Mentorship programs and leadership
training can support this effort.
6. Safe Political Environment
o Creating a safe environment for women in politics, free from harassment and violence,
is essential for their full participation. This includes legal protections, support systems,
and a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment.
7. Laws to be Implemented
o Enforcing laws that protect women's rights in the political sphere and ensure their equal
participation is crucial. Legal frameworks should be strengthened and effectively
implemented.
8. Political Parties and Media
o Political parties and media must play a proactive role in promoting women's political
participation and addressing gender biases. Positive media representation and
supportive party policies can significantly impact public perceptions and women's
involvement.
For Voters:
1. Educate
o Educating women about their voting rights and the importance of their vote is
fundamental. Civic education programs and community outreach can raise awareness
and encourage participation.
2. Awareness
o Raising awareness about the significance of women's participation in elections and
political processes can empower women to exercise their rights. Public campaigns and
educational initiatives can support this effort.
3. ID Cards Provision
o Ensuring women have access to identification cards to register and vote is crucial.
Simplifying the process of obtaining IDs and providing necessary support can facilitate
greater voter participation.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges women face in politics as candidates and voters requires comprehensive and
multifaceted solutions. It involves legal reforms, cultural changes, and proactive measures from political
parties, civil society, and international organizations. By implementing these solutions, we can work
towards a more inclusive and representative political system that values and amplifies the voices of
women.
