Women in Politics: Bridging the Gap

by Margaret Page

Women in Politics: Bridging the Gap

Across the board and around the world, women are significantly underrepresented in politics and leadership.

In Canada, women comprise only 20.8 percent of our Members of Parliament. This ranks Canada as 47th in the world on women in national leadership roles.

In B.C’s Legislature, women hold 17 of the possible 79 elected seats or 21.5%.

Women hold 21.4% of the positions available on city councils in Canada.

In the US, 86 percent of state governors, 88 percent of big city mayors, and 78 percent of state legislators are men. In 2003 the US Congress was composed of 14 percent women. This makes the United States 60th worldwide in terms of women in the national legislature.

Canada and the US both have fewer women in parliament than many less developed countries, including Mauritania, Uganda, Rwanda, even Afghanistan and Iraq

This political gender gap is a widely known and often discussed fact, but the reasons behind it have been elusive. Why don’t we see more women in office? After all, extensive research shows that women perform just as well as men in political leadership roles. And surprisingly, research also shows that gender creates no bias in fundraising or voting trends. To quote a Canadian study of voting trends by noted political scientists: “A candidate’s sex does not affect his or her chances of winning an election.”

So what drives this huge gender gap in politics? A 2004 study published by Brown University revealed that women are much less likely to express interest in seeking public office. In fact, among equally positioned and credentialed men and women, men are 71 percent more likely than women to run for office – despite the fact women are more inclined to meet with constituents, deal with the press, and commit to a lengthy campaign.

Upon reflection, it seems that women are naturally suited to leadership roles. They tend to be people oriented, highly organized, and strong communicators. They’re naturals when it comes to multi-tasking and collaboration – and they know it! So why are women less inclined to run for office?

According to the study by Brown University, there are two very significant factors:

Women are much less likely to be recruited or encouraged into political leadership positions, especially by those who are politically active or already in office.

Women are roughly 65 percent less likely than men to see themselves as qualified or capable of winning their first election.

So if no one tells a woman she should consider running for a political position, and she’s actively telling herself that she isn’t likely to win an election, is it any wonder why so few women are getting elected?

While this political gender gap has proven to be an enduring phenomenon, that may be changing in the near future. According to a 2004 poll conducted by the Centre for Research and Information on Canada, 90 percent of Canadians want more women elected. And now that we have a better understanding of the forces driving the gap, we have a stronger ability to close it.

A number of grassroots organizations such as Equal Voice have become strong and committed forces, bringing this issue to the forefront and encouraging change in the political landscape. And on a global level, the United Nations is working to effect change as well. It recently declared that a threshold of at least 30 percent female legislators is required to ensure that public policy reflects the needs of women.

But this is not an issue that can be handled from the top, with influence trickling down to the local and individual levels. On the contrary, in light of the findings of the Brown University study, change must begin on the ground level. It starts with the conversations we have with each other, and with ourselves. It starts with encouragement, and courage.

A Call to Action:

How can you help to bridge the gender gap in politics? Take some time to develop a list of criteria that you believe are essential for a strong political candidate. Here are some leadership qualities to consider, as noted in See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel:

Create a vision, align people behind it, and develop a plan for executing it.
Communicate in a way that inspires trust and confidence.
Motivate followers to sustain the effort required to meet goals.
Build teams that understand and value interdependence and synergy.
Exhibit emotional intelligence.
Take risks that will benefit the organization.
Develop a strong network that will support goal attainment and political success.

Customize the list to suit your values, and then look around for women who align with these standards. Let them know that you perceive them as such, and suggest that they consider running for office. Be willing to engage them in a supportive conversation on the possibilities or connect them with other people of political influence. These steps alone will have an impact on the two main limitations identified by the Brown University study – lack of external support and a limiting internal perspective.

Then, share this article with others to help raise awareness of this issue and the factors that perpetuate it.

As with any other type of social evolution, we must “be the change we wish to see in our world” (thank you, Gandhi). To increase the profile of women in politics, we must become more active ourselves. If nothing else, you can share this article with others to help raise awareness of this issue and the factors that perpetuate it. It may seem like a small contribution, but enough drops in the ocean will eventually become a powerful current of change.

Margaret Page is a professional Business Coach and Life Coach who guides individuals along the path to success, providing the encouragement and support they need to live a life less ordinary. To find out if coaching is right for you, schedule a complimentary call by sending an e-mail to margaret@beyondthepage.ca or call (604) 885-0208.

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