Women in politics: beyond representation

Women in politics do make a difference. It is not just a question of fair representation of half of mankind, of quotas and seats in parliament. Obviously, women’s underrepresentation at all levels of decision-making constitutes a severe democratic deficit, and gender parity is still far from being achieved all over the world. Yet, besides these significant aspects, women’s participation in politics, presence in institutions and government, and leadership is crucial also because women’s different experiences can bring forward actual political change.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day and ahead of key European elections, the Progressive Post wants to take a moment to reflect on the role and added value of women in politics, but also on the shadows that growing – albeit still insufficient – participation is bringing up.

We look at the current European legislature to see how women’s actions have turned into concrete legislation. But we are also peeking into the dark side: women in politics, as women in every field, are not just subject to discrimination but even to violence. We offer our readers the first-hand story of a former President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies who has been the victim of a ruthless character assassination by her political adversaries. Finally, we will look at how far-right parties – in Europe and beyond – have seized and distorted women’s rights and feminist topics in public discourse – while at the same time championing anti-gender rhetoric – for their own electoral gains and not for the benefit of women’s advancement.