Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
The growing momentum within most civil societies and state governments to foster and
harness female leadership is an indication of the changing times within the contemporary world.
The participation of women in circles of politics and leadership has always sparked criticism and
support in equal measure. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay. Women have been forced to endure massive discrimination when it comes to the establishment of quotas at various levels of national government. It is indisputable that there are numerous challenges that women have had to go through in their quest to represent their people in political positions. Additionally, the participation of women in circles of politics
and governance is highly limited and restricted. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay. This drawback is experienced at virtually all
levels from the local to regional and even the global rankings.
ORDER A CUSTOM-WRITTEN, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
This challenges exist despite the fact that women possess some of the most admirable characteristics and traits required for a
leader. This paper is a detailed and incisive essay that explores some of the common challenges
that women face in political representation.
Obstacles and challenges faced by women in political representation
The positioning of structural barriers and the subsequent implementation of
discriminatory laws are two of the most common factors that deny women the chance to
participate in politics (Paxton et al, 2010). These barriers are placed at virtually all levels in
society including the institutional, systemic and the community as well. The direct consequence
of these barricades is that they restrict and limit the influence of women when it comes to
making decisions. Women are locked out when it comes to most pillars of life such as the
economic, social and even cultural ones (M'Cormack et al, 2015). Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay. As such, they stand a bleak
chance of being allowed to participate in active politics.The second challenge that locks out women from becoming actively involved in politics is the unequal balance and scale that is used to define the perceptions of fatherhood and motherhood (Gudhlanga, 2013). The role of the man and women within the family is viewed differently when it comes to rating the potential of both individuals. Women are seen as being weak and unable to combine their personal life with corporate issues such as politics. The latter
often comes with long working hours, business trips and even making of delicate decisions.
Consequently, a lot of discrimination often results such that women are seen as being incapable
of handling all these tasks and obligations (Bush and Jamal, 2015). What’s more, discrimination
also takes a personal angle where some women have encountered isolated cases of being
prejudiced and segregated (Paxton et al, 2010). Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
The large portion of these women often cite issues of masculine domination as the major
contributor and catalyst to discrimination. The male figure is often seen as a representation of
power, prowess and dexterity when it comes to participation in politics. Hence, most men hold
the archaic belief that women should not be allowed in political affairs because they cannot
match up the performance and proficiency of their counterparts (Bush and Jamal, 2015). The
problem of placing double standards is also one of the hugest challenge that women face when
they want to participate in politics (Paxton et al, 2010). This means that women have to work
twice as hard as men so that they can prove that they are qualified for the job. Additionally, the
public also perceives both men and women in very different light. For instance, men who
represent their constituents in active politics are frequently described as being aggressive,
focused and far-sighted (Paxton et al, 2010). Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
This observation has been noticed in countries such as the Czech Republic, Malaysia and
even Japan. Moreover, men are viewed as being able to isolate themselves from the issues of the
family and focus on issues of leadership and governance. On the contrary, women are seen as
sensitive beings who cannot be able to distance themselves from responsibilities and duties of
home and family (Paxton et al, 2010). For these reasons, women are seen as being incapable of
dedicating themselves fully to the participation of political affairs and activities. In the same
light, women are often denied public support even in the countries that consider themselves
highly democratic. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
The core reason for this lies in the customs and cultures that view women as the helper
of the man. The traditional roles assigned to women dictate that they are meant to stay at home
and take care of the children (Desai and Temsah, 2014). What’s more, it is the duty of the
woman to cook, clean, feed the children and execute other house chores. This customary view of
women and their feminine roles is one of the reasons that makes them become short-changed
when it comes to picking up positions of power in the state. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
ORDER A CUSTOM-WRITTEN, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
Alternatively, women also face challenges at the grassroots level in their own
communities since most political parties are not always willing to endorse them as candidates. In
order for a women to convince a party to allow her to lead, she must prove herself in many
tedious ways (Lal et al, 2015). On most occasions, very few women are able to convince the rest
that they deserve to be given that chance. In fact, these challenge is also experienced in political
parties where women hold the majority vote. The lack of endorsement in political parties is a
setback that is seen in most African states. Countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda, Gabon, Nigeria
and even Mali have been cited as being culprits of this problem. The recent elections in Tanzania
witnessed very few women being allowed to participate in active politics or even represent their
constituents in the political parties.The majority of women stated that the entrenched views on traditional roles of females
largely contributed to the low percentage of women vying or campaigning. Additionally, the lack
of confidence for some women is also an intimating factor that makes them pull out of the
political race (Paxton et al, 2010). Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay. The lack of proper structures to offer opportunities in capacity
building is also one of the challenges that women face when they want to take part in politics.
Capacity building is an important concept that revolves around the process of understanding the
major obstacles that prevent people from achieving their goals (Paxton et al, 2010).
In this case, capacity building is a very valuable approach that can be used to find out the
underlying and prohibiting factors that hinder women from being successful in politics
(M'Cormack et al, 2015). In addition, this strategy can also be put into good use where
procedures are put in place to enhance the process of allowing women to take part in politics. In
this way, capacity building because essential when it comes to making participation in politics a
sustainable and measurable goal (M'Cormack et al, 2015). At the same time, capacity building
can provide women with the opportunity of strengthening and harnessing their skills and abilities
such that they know what is required of them in the world of politics. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
This can assist them significantly when it comes to overcoming and doing away with
their suffering and challenges present in the political realm (Gudhlanga, 2013). In the same
regard, some women face unending problems when it comes to participation in leadership
because of social stigma and religious boundaries. The latter is especially pronounced in Muslim
societies and countries where religion expects them to remain submissive and subservient to their
fellow men (Gudhlanga, 2013). What’s more, the Islamic faith dictates that women should take
the back seat when it comes to leadership and public representation. As such, it is very difficult
for women in Islam to participate in politics (Bush and Jamal, 2015). This is vivid and clear in most Muslim countries and states such as Saudi Arabia,
Pakistan, Yemen, Jordan and even Libya. The Muslim culture prohibits women from taking part
in corporate and public activities. Therefore, the thought of considering to vie or become a
political leader is seen as being a mirage (Bush and Jamal, 2015). Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay. The challenges faced by
women within political circles also stem from the fact that some countries impose strict
regulations when it comes to voting. Some African countries and Asian states are known to bar
women from voting in the general and regional elections (M'Cormack et al, 2015).
This means that the political participation is left to the men since the rules are already
biased and unfair towards the women. Moreover, most of the men claim that women to not have
the guts or tough skin that is required to be a politician. The dangerous and volatile nature of
politics is seen as unsafe for women to become involved and hence, most countries vote against
women inclusion in political matters (M'Cormack et al, 2015). The mass media is also one of the
greatest tools of irreversible damage that has led to fewer women being involved in politics. This
is because this avenue makes use of channels such as print media, television, radio and online
websites to disseminate information that can circulate to the wider public. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
As such, the media has been cited on several occasions intimidating women and instilling
fear in them so that they do to take part on politics. For instance, the local and government
broadcasting stations will often highlight the demerits of being a politician where they emphasize
that people who take part in this game are not assured of their safety (Gudhlanga, 2013). What’s
more, the media also portrays politics as a dangerous encounter where one is bound to make very
many enemies.
Consequently, these allegations make women become less willing to take part in an
activity that jeopardizes their lives. At the same time, it is also evident that women are underrepresented when it comes to the election process and voting (Bush and Jamal, 2015).
There is a wide gap that exists between women and men when it comes to being actively
involved in the voting process. This gap and its associated challenges should be narrowed down
so that women are able to participate freely in politics. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
ORDER A CUSTOM-WRITTEN, PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
Conclusion
The woman race is often tainted with numerous problems and setbacks, most of which
exist in the social, communal and political circles. The majority of men take advantage of the
fact that the main asset that most women possess is their ability to empathize and identify with
the problems of others. Hence, they often insist that women cannot be able to concentrate on
politics because their mind will be diverted to other issues at all times. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay. This perception of women
as being sensitive and caring is seen as a disadvantage in their side. On the other hand, men are
seen as being more responsible and focus driven, thereby standing the chance of lasting longer in
politics. However, this is a simple misconception because women possess a great deal of talent
when it comes to leadership. Therefore, women should be given equal participation in politics so
that they can contribute towards the sustenance of democracy in their countries. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
References
Bush, S. S., & Jamal, A. A. (2015). Anti-Americanism, Authoritarian Politics, and Attitudes
about Women's Representation: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in
Jordan. International Studies Quarterly, 59(1), 34-45. doi:10.1111/isqu.12139
Desai, S., & Temsah, G. (2014). Muslim and Hindu Women's Public and Private Behaviors: Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.
Gender, Family, and Communalized Politics in India. Demography, 51(6), 2307-2332.
doi:10.1007/s13524-014-0319-4
Gudhlanga, E. (2013). Shutting Them Out: Opportunities And Challenges Of Women's
Participation In Zimbabwean Politics – A Historical Perspective. Journal Of Third World
Studies, 30(1), 151-170
Lal, D., Ojha, A., & Sabharwal, N. S. (2015). Issues of Under-Representation: Mapping Women
in Indian Politics. South Asian Studies (1026-678X), 30(1), 67-79.
M'Cormack-Hale, F. O., & Beoku-Betts, J. (2015). The Politics of Women's Empowerment in
Post-War Sierra Leone: Contradictions, Successes, and Challenges. African & Asian
Studies, 14(1/2), 8-17. doi:10.1163/15692108-12341327
Paxton, Pamela, Melanie Hughes and Matthew A. Painter. (2010): "Growth in women's political
representation: A longitudinal exploration of democracy, electoral system and gender
quotas." European Journal of Political Research, 49.1 25 – 52. Challenges Involved in Women Political Representation Essay.