The Future of Politics Depends on Women’s Empowerment

Have you ever been told that you can be anything you want to be? Sadly, this idea that you can be anything you want to be dwindles with age as reality inevitably sets in. For women, this inescapable reality becomes much clearer at a much earlier age.

Societal responsibilities and expectations have long been placed atop women’s shoulders, shaping how they see themselves and, as a result, how they participate in the political sphere. The connection between representation and voter turnout becomes increasingly evident as the need to advance gender equality intensifies. Put simply, having more women in leadership positions would bring valuable insights to a wide array of political concerns. While we’ve made strides in dismantling limiting narratives that constrain women, there is still so much ground to cover in terms of boosting their self-esteem. Offering women educational opportunities alone is insufficient; they need to be empowered to recognize their own ability and potential.

Visual Credit: Marius Oprea

An analysis of the differences between men and women's perceptions of their capacity to run for political office reveals a startling disparity. In general, men tend to believe in their capabilities, whereas women often doubt their preparedness. Contrary to popular belief, women frequently underestimate their own abilities and qualifications, making them overqualified for a plethora of positions. Women have long been imbued with traditional ideas of femininity, emphasizing traits like modesty and humility, which fuel a perceived self that doesn’t align with their actual skills.

Political leadership has always been a male-dominated arena, closely correlated with preferred masculine characteristics such as assertiveness and aggression. For women, navigating political terrain while adhering to traditional feminine traits is a near-impossible feat. They are expected to strike a fine balance between being simultaneously feminine and assertive, powerful, and stoic. In contrast to their male counterparts, women frequently face unjustified reactions and criticism when they exhibit male-associated traits. This contradictory expectation adds further complexity to the issue of women’s self-worth and self-identity in the realm of politics.

Thus, it is imperative that we focus on empowering women to see their value and proudly acknowledge their accomplishments. This is not about haughtiness but rather a firm acknowledgment of their strengths and abilities. To meet societal standards, women shouldn't feel pressured to minimize themselves. It's important to question and demolish the idea that women should shrink in order to fit a male-conceived predefined mold.

It is important to emphasize that this is not an argument that suggests women must embrace masculinity to become successful leaders. Instead, it is a critique of prevailing institutional norms and expectations. We must recognize that leadership can take a myriad of forms, and we need to challenge and revise these standards. We should strive for a culture in which women can contribute fully to society without being constrained by the pressure to maintain a delicate balance between femininity and masculinity. Embracing a wide spectrum of leadership philosophies is not only essential for gender equality but also for the overall effectiveness and soundness of political and societal structures.

Women's self-esteem plays a pivotal role in their political participation and leadership. Empowering women to recognize their capabilities, despite traditional gender roles, is a fundamental step toward achieving gender equality in politics. It is not about women conforming to existing norms, but about reshaping those norms to create a more inclusive and representative political landscape. By doing so, we can foster a society where women can aspire to and thrive in leadership roles without having to compromise their authentic selves.

Xian (she/her) is a second-year Joint-Honours Economics and Political Studies student and Political Digest’s EDII Director.