Women in politics: Breaking the ‘boys club’ mentality
‘Democratic Governance and Rule of Law’ – a course conducted among students from universities across the country was part of a project by the Centre for Equality and Justice (CEJ) to educate future leaders on the importance of democracy and female leadership. The importance of women’s participation in politics, and what could be done to increase female representation in Parliament was one of the topics highlighted.
Over the years, women have crossed the public-private divide but still lag behind men in terms of representation and participation in politics. Women make up only five percent of total representation in Parliament, and this share has not exceeded 6.5 percent since 1977. This lack of female representation undermines democracy and impacts good governance.
Several barriers impede women’s entry into politics, but one of the most significant structural obstacles is the existence of a ‘boys club’ in party politics that makes it difficult for women to gain upward mobility within party ranks.
Talking to the CEJ, some of the male students spoke about the current state of women’s political participation, and how many gained entry into politics through family ties.
“According to my research there are around 9 or 10 women in Parliament currently, and with the exception of maybe one or two, they all have some connection to a past or current male politician. Women without such connections are not able to gain entry, even if they have the qualifications to be good politicians,” a student from the University of Colombo (UoC) noted.
A student from the University of Peradeniya (UoP) felt the lack of substantive representation in Parliament, was because female politicians, much like their male counterparts, lacked a proper education in politics.
Said a student from the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEU):“I think that only when there are women in power can women’s issues be properly dealt with. But for this, we need women who are properly educated to be in power.”
Of course, this recommendation is applicable to politicians across the board.
A student from SEU sharing a personal experience, spoke of how his sister, eager to get involved in student leadership activities in university had joined the student union. “Soon after, she started getting harrassing phone calls from boys. Because of this, she stopped all those activities and maintained a low profile,” he said.
A student from UoP too believed women must be empowered to take up leadership roles within campus. “There are a few who do, but not many. Maybe they feel intimidated or do not have the confidence to do so. If we empower them to be leaders on campus, then we can give them the confidence to be leaders in politics as well.”
The students’ views reflect the significant cultural barriers to women taking up leadership positions, mostly due to male-dominance and uneven gender power relations in these fields. “In situations where men and women are in the same room for the same purpose, men tend to think they are dominant, that they must take charge. Even I feel that way sometimes. This must be unlearned through proper education.”
“There are many women in universities, even more than men. There are also more women in professions like medicine and law. We should empower them to break into politics as well. This must start from schools, with education on politics,” a student from UoP shared,
Asked about solutions, a student from UoC said that he did not think the mindset of the older generations could be changed. “Instead, we must focus on the youth. Those under 30 years of age can be taught these things. We must focus on young women, and give them an education in politics and empower them to go forward and take up leadership roles. If we do this from a young age, we can encourage more women to participate.”
Others interviewed suggested education in politics as a tool for better participation. “It is difficult. But maybe if we start with local government, there is a better chance. I think the quota system works. It seems to have been successful in local government. But we must give women with qualifications and experience space to enter these offices. Women who are teachers, civil servants or even nuns are well suited to these positions. If they start at a Pradeshiya Sabha or Grama Niladhari level I think they can build up their portfolios from there.”
Quota systems and other forms of affirmative action must only be used as interim measures, some felt.
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.