For years women have had to fight to be considered as equals with men, and though there are still some places where they are regarded as second-class citizens, in most of the world we are given the respect we deserve.
Because of this, women in politics have a tremendous responsibility to show they are just as capable as men to do their job, especially with the amount of time they spend in the public eye.
Women such as Germany’s Angela Merkel and Australia’s Julia Gillard have pioneered as the first female heads of their countries. This is an amazing achievement, but it also puts a lot of pressure on them. They must lead their countries well and show themselves to be as smart, kind and strong as any man that preceded them, or risk having people chalk up their failures as a result of their gender.
The world can be judgmental and people can have trouble letting go of stereotypes. The fact of the matter is, there will be men and even women who will see these ladies in power and wonder why they aren’t in the kitchen anymore.
What that means is that the female politicians of the world have to demonstrate why they were elected through their acts while in power. Women politicians have to consider everything they are going to do make sure it is for the good of the people and that it is fair to all.
Guatemala’s first lady faces a harder job in her bid for the country’s presidency, being someone who has already been in the public eye as partner of the former president and therefore will be subject to constant comparison between her and her husband. Not only will she have to prove she’s has good as any man, but she’ll be forced to prove she’s as good as her husband. People will wonder if she is doing something because she thinks it’s what her husband would do, and she’ll have to demonstrate her ability to think for herself.
Ireland is yet to have any female Taoiseach, and with no party heads being women it seems like it could take a while. Indeed, Ireland isn’t great for women in positions of power in general, with only two ministries in the current Dáil held by women – and those roles generally considered more ‘feminine’ positions, such as Minister for Children.
It may be unintentional, but many men still hold sexist views, feeling that no woman, no matter how qualified, would able to handle the same job as a man. This is why when a woman is in a position of power, she must not just show the public her capability but also strive to show her colleagues so they will never count her out for more difficult jobs, fearing that she’d be unable to keep up with her male counterparts.
Of course, probably the most important thing a female politician must remember is the example she is setting for young girls around the world. They will see her as a role model, and if she seems incapable or incompetent they will not think they could be any better at her job – meaning there won’t be a new generation of women willing to take on more lofty positions.
Elaine Smyth is an intern with Metro Éireann.
