Women in World Politics - Assignment Example

Name University name Your course Instructor Date of submission Women in world politics There are very few women involved in the world’s politics. As much as the number of women is less compared to men in politics, some of the women overcome all odds and clinch to the pinnacle of power in their countries leaving a mark on the world stage politics. Examples of the prominent women who have been public figures are Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi and Shrimavo Bandaranayke (James, Peterson, 27). In the present time, we have Angela Merkel and Hillary Clinton who are dominating the world politics making headlines on their views and their political ambitions. In the current era, women in politics are not represented well in most countries worldwide unlike men who are many. Nevertheless, women are in large numbers being elected politically to head states and government. Many countries currently have a woman as the holder of an office. They also hold national government offices and global participation rate of women in parliaments in national level. Many countries are exploring the measures to increase the number of women participating in the government at each level, from local to national. When the representation of women is increased in government, it empowers women. Furthermore, the increase of women representation is necessarily to the achievement of gender parityThis notion of women’s empowerment is usually rooted in human capabilities approach, whereby, individuals are empowered to choose functioning they deem valuable (James, Peterson, 27). Women, as conventional primary caretakers of the children, often have prominent role in advocating for the children more than men. The representation of women in world politics not only advances their rights but also advance children’s rights. In the national legislatures, the notable trend of the women that advance gender and family-friendly legislation. The advocacy is seen in countries that range from France, Netherlands and Sweden, to Rwanda, South Africa and Egypt. Furthermore, the study on developed and industrialized countries indicate in the local government tend in advancing social issues. For instance, India has greater women’s representation has been corresponding with more equitable community resources distribution, includes more gender-sensitive spending on health related programs, education and nutrition. One of the great leaders who played an essential role in politics of her country was known as Margaret Thatcher of Britain. She was a key figure in participation of development and growth of her country proving herself as an able leader time to time. Also, another person was Eleanor Roosevelt; she played a very crucial role in political sphere in USA. She did work extremely harder for the cause. Indira Gandhi was a woman prime minister of India and until today is a strong woman with a political lineage. Gandhi was the first ever woman who led a democratic country in entire world. Through Indira Gandhi leadership, she had several controversies but until now, she is considered as the finest leaders that India has ever have. The countries Where there women-prime ministers or presidents The first female Prime minister and president were; Sri Lankans Sirivamo Bandaranaike in 1960 became the first elected female prime minister. In 1974, Isabel Peron became the first female president in Argentina and the world first female president. Currently, there are ten female presidents in world, these are; Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Kosovo, India, Switzerland, Mauritius San Marino, Lithuania and Liberia.on the other hand, there are twelve woman Prime Ministers; Aland Islands, Sint Maartin, Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Slovakia, Jamaica, Iceland, Guinea Bissau, Germany, Bangladesh and Australia (Peterson, 27). Up until 1993, more than 20 women were already either prime ministers or presidents of their countries. Five of them held offices of prime ministers in south Asia. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the first world female prime minister heading Sri Lankan government from 1960 to 1965 and from 1970 to 1977. The more recent woman prime minister and who is less reported on is Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan who was in power from 1988 to 1990 and thereafter to 1993 up to date. The other woman prime minister is known as Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh from 1991 to present (Arbor, 43). In addition to that, the recently elected Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka taking a position that was held by her mother. According to the discussion on the women leadership, there is agreement that economic development and the modernization led to reductions of many women status. Part of this was also attributed in the increase of sanskritization and partly to westernization effects which are from courtesans of luck or Sankritization often following economic developments with progressed groups that seek in improving their status economically and socially by increasing the control on their women (Arbor, 43). The political stand of women had both positive and negative impact on the countries and communities. In early years women were regarded as less valuable than men. It is illustrated through the differential sex ratios through sub-continent that see men significantly defeating women. This difference in the numbers of sex is attributed to the differential allocation of medical attention, food, and love (Farmington, 76). The men’s higher number that is increasing long-term trend illuminated in India with governments major reports on equality, released in 1970. It was since then that the trend appeared to be continuing. Additionally, through the spread of technology leading to abortion of perhaps thousand female fetuses each and every year, it has been seen to increase. India did not experience a rise of fundamentalism because of the formation of Hindu bharatiya Janata party (BJP) which was not as marked, nor has women’s position such as central part of their platform, there been an increase to push them so that they can return to their traditional roles. Ironically, the groups are comfortable in using women leaders as there activists offering arguments such as each and every woman must be doing everything that preserves her home life. As in Bangladesh and Pakistan, the power of the party rest more in political discourse influence and street demonstrations than through the electoral success. Achievement of women in global politics and the differences made in their countries The best example of women achievement in politics is Canada. At the end of 19th century, women in Canada are able to redefine their place in the society demanding for justice and equality. Through both legal and political means, the women movements formed allowed women in Canada to obtain form equality. Parallel to the slow conquest of the equal rights, the Canadian women lifestyle has undergone profound changes. Goods has been produced traditionally and services offered in homes being available for consumer purchase and developmental technologies together with service growth of service sector thus facilitating increasing in participation of women in labor market (Arbor, 43). This boosted the Canadian marriage of Canadian women for they had a paying job. Serious inequalities in relative position of women and men in the society remain, however. The 1967 federal government set up of the Royal Commission on women status to examine the situation, and in 70s, the commission made report on recommendations for women’s greater equality. Also, women rights were considered and improved. Throughout the history of women, they had fewer career opportunities and legal rights than men. Motherhood and Wifehood were the ones regarded as the most significant women’s professions. In 20th century, however, most of the women’s in nations have won the right of voting thus increasing their voting rights and creating opportunities for more women in market jobs. Perhaps, the most important part women played was to fight for and accomplish a re-evaluation of traditional views of their society role. The eradication of the negative attitudes on women was an achievement to the women leaders. In early ages, women were viewed as the uniquely creative source of human life. However, historically, they are not only considered intellectually inferior as compared to men but also a major source of evil and temptation e.g. the early Roman law which described women as children and forever inferior to men (Hills, 76). The attitude towards women in the East was more favorable at first. In ancient India, women were never deprived of property rights or marriage individual freedoms. Nonetheless, Hinduism evolved in India and required obedience of women towards men. This changed after India Gandhi took power and stated the recognition of women in the society. Nevertheless, when women were allowed to have personal and intellectual freedom, most women made significant achievements. During the middle ages, nuns did played a key role in religious life of the Europe. On the other hand, Aristocratic women do enjoy power and prestige. Whole of the eras were mostly influenced by the women rulers for instance, the queen Elizabeth of England in 16th century, Catherine of Great Russia in 18th century, and lastly Queen Victoria of England in 19th century (Farmington, 76). Who was, from your point of view, the most influential female leader so far? My influential female leader was Indira Gandhi. This is because she managed to change the social status of a woman of female in India. She also proved strong with her leadership characters of managing the Indian economy and boosting the health status of the country (Peterson, 27). In conclusion, the women global politics shaped the view of female social status in the world. It provides gender equality and allows equal rights for each and every person in the world. Therefore, I suggest it should be encouraged globally. Work cited Ann, Arbor. Women and Politics Worldwide. London: ProQuest.1998. p.43 Farmington, Hills. The World's Women 1970-1990: Trends and Statistics. Wales: Wales University Press. 1992. P.76 James, Peterson. Women's Rights: a Global. Baltimore: Peterson Publishers. 1972. P.27 Read More