Why we need more women in politics

BOTH your columnist Terry Prone and Anthony Leavy, in your letters page, raise the matter of women in politics (Irish Examiner, March 26).

Globally, 16% of members of national parliaments are women.

At 13%, Ireland rates worse than the international average.

Mozambique, Spain and Costa Rica are just some of the dozens of countries that fare better than we do.

Terry Prone reminds us that some past women leaders were not very pro-women in their politics.

Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, for example, neither had nor advocated a women’s agenda.

If, however, the Iron Lady had been leading a cabinet and a Conservative parliamentary party where more than 80% of members were women, her agenda and style might have been very different.

In order to make an impact, a critical mass of women in politics is the first requirement.

One woman among suits is not going to make a difference as she will probably have to conform to the majority way of operating.

Generally in European countries, where the rate of women’s political participation is high, issues such as childcare, public transport, healthcare and equality are dealt with much better than they are here.

Gender equality in politics creates a society where there is a smaller gap between rich and poor.

To adopt and understand a women’s agenda is not all about a head count, though.

Political parties can work for women and for gender equality by adopting appropriate policies that address women’s concerns and promote equal opportunities for all.

Nothing, however, is as good for women in political decision-making as being, well, decision-makers themselves.

Kirsi Hanifin

Women and Equality Officer

The Labour Party

17 Ely Place

Dublin 2