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Government with Powerful Women

This photo was taken on August 30, 2008 using a Nikon D70.

Women empowerment has been increasing steadily over the past three decades. Transformations in society occurred aimed at giving the female gender power that will increase their social economic and political status, with access to necessities such as human rights, nutritional improvements and basic health and education. This social awareness destroyed the age-old concept of a subordinate woman, reaching across the race, class, age and ethnic background of women across the globe. Today, gender does not depict only women or a loss of man, but refers to both man and woman, and to their status, relative to each other. Gender equality today refers to the stage of social development where the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of an individual will not depend upon being a man or a woman, but when they realize their full potential or capability.

Political Empowerment of Women

Political empowerment of women refers to the representation of a woman in a government structure as part of a decision-making body, both formal and informal, their voice being heard and accepted as part of the general decision that will affect their respective societies. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, “a world average of only 15.6% of women is present in combined houses of parliament”. Despite being poorly represented in the lower levels of a government, women are still in the highest level of decision-making.

However, the absence of women from the basic structures of government means that national, regional and local priorities (how resources are allocated) are being defined without input from women. A woman’s empathic tendencies might provide a different outlook on the needs and concerns of a community, from a hard-lined outlook of a man.

Political Life of a Woman and Their Participation in Politics

The political life of a woman and their participation in politics plays a crucial role in the process of the advancement of women. A simple demand for justice or democracy can be considered as a requisite for women’s views to be taken into account. Without the participation of women and the assimilation of women’s views in all levels of decision-making, important goals such as equality, development and peace will be difficult to achieve.

One reason for this is the violent and destructive nature of a man who would prefer to jump into battle than initiate peaceful negotiations with the enemy. Inclusion of women into vital roles in the government strengthens the democratic basis, efficiency and quality of a government, be it national or local. If a local government aims to provide the needs of both man and woman, it should also build on the experiences of both gender, equally representing them in all levels and fields of decision-making, covering responsibilities in local governments.

Leveling Off of Women’s Presence Among State-wide Elective Officials

Although women have made progress as time passes by in increasing their presence in the state government, a recent leveling off of women’s presence among state-wide elective officials and state legislators remains a mystery, while some consider it as a troubling development. At a minimum, leveling-off is evidence that more will be coming in the future, and there are no machinations working to help women seek government posts or to be elected into office during each election.

References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/23/world/europe/23iht-bern.html?_r=1

http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-Ireland/Local%20Assets/Documents/Public%20sector/ie_PublicSector_PathsToPower_Mar10.pdf

October 31, 2010 - Posted by christine miller | Opinion | Government with Powerful Women, Political Empowerment Of Women, Political Life Of A Woman And Their Participation In Politics