Representation Of Women In Politics

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Though women have greatly advanced in the political forum over the past couple decades, advancement has been minimal. In the years between 1993 until 2011, approximately 20% of women were elected to the House of Commons.1 Despite women accounting for over 50% of the population in Canada, they persist to encompass approximately 25% of Canada’s House of Commons, provincial legislatures, and municipal councils. Further, as of July 2013, Canada ranks 46th in the representation of women in politics.1 Although in the past federal election of May 2011, when near to 25% of women were elected to the House of Commons, fewer women are still elected in Canada when compared to Australia, most of Europe, and parts of Asia.1 Moreover, it has been constantly demonstrated by polling data that women take interest in dissimilar issues. It has been stressed by the United Nations that policymaking equality is a vital component in the empowerment of women, and that before legislatures can generate public policy that represents women, a critical mass in needed. Hence, Canada must aim to increase awareness about the significance of a gender balanced government. This is because, if the representation of women is improved in the political system, then the prospects for other under-represented Canadians will flourish as well. This essay will: 1) outline why the under-representation of women in politics is an issue; 2) offer two major reasons for why women have such poor attendance in the political arena; and 3) will provide the reader with a couple solutions to the crisis. Why is this Under-Representation of Women a Problem? The under-representation of women in the political system is problematic because it establishe...

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...t creates a democratic deficit. Two main reasons for this under-representation are: 1) women are not willing to put themselves forward in the political arena because of the demanding qualifications of the occupation, their confidence in themselves, and because of gendered institutions; and 2) when women do enter the political forum, they get treated unfairly through discrimination and job dissatisfaction. However, there are numerous solutions to this dilemma such as: quotas like reserved seats, party quota, and legislative quota; encouraging parties to support women candidates; providing women with the confidence to put themselves forward; and levelling the playing field between men and women. It should be acknowledged that more women in politics will expand the prospects of other underrepresented Canadians and generate a better and more democratic political system.

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