Diversity Drives Democracy: Women in Politics 

The current state of women in politics is an important issue that continues to evolve through generations. While we have come a long way from gaining the right to vote, much must be done to achieve gender equality in democracy. The number of women holding political office has increased in many countries over time. However, significant disparities regarding access to power and decision-making roles are still barricades in the political careers of many aspiring women. 

In addition, representing women in politics is important for many reasons. Women’s unique perspectives and experiences can be considered when forming policies and making decisions. This can lead to more equitable and inclusive governance that better reflects the needs and interests of the entire population. Having more women in government can inspire future generations of women leaders, encouraging greater diversity and gender equality in leadership positions. 

History and Women 

Throughout history, many prominent figures and movements have fought for gender equality in democracy. For example, The Women’s Suffrage movement was influenced by the publication of the Declaration of Independence: “Although the Declaration of Independence specifies that ‘all men are created equal,’ its publication sowed the seeds the seeds for the women’s suffrage movement in the United States”^[4]. Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, denied participation in an 1840 conference in London due to being female, were inspired to work together by this rebuff. 

In 1916, Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress, representing Montana. Rankin “helped destroy negative public attitudes about women as members of Congress”^[1]. Agreeing with a colleague’s famous comment, “I’m no lady. I’m a member of Congress,” Rankin displayed tenacity and individuality, aiding her in improving societal views on the political standards of women. 

Barriers to Entry 

According to the Pew Research Center, “More than four-in-ten point to gender discrimination (47%), women getting less support from party leaders (47%), many Americans not being ready

to elect a woman to higher office (46%), and family responsibilities (44%) as major obstacles for women in politics” ^[2]. The population of women who participate in the political field is low due to how society is conservative about a woman’s place because more obstacles than a lack of interest prevent many from advancing in the field. 

Throughout history, many have adjusted to the societal norms that separate the two genders. Centuries ago, women were given the title of homemaker, meaning they were expected to take care of household chores and raise children. Women were also required to display a distinct elegance, often interpreted as timid or weak for many generations. It was in the 20th century that there came big changes in societal expectations for women. However, there are still some glass ceilings we as a generation are still fighting to overcome. Politics has been inversely characterized as rough and argumentative, and those who continue to hold conservative beliefs maintain women’s involvement as inappropriate and even unnatural. 

Women in politics face numerous societal, cultural, and institutional barriers. For example, the lack of support and encouragement for women to pursue political careers is scarily low. According to the Pew Research Center, “About a third (34%) say women aren’t encouraged to be leaders from an early age and 23% say not as many women are interested in holding higher office”^[2]. In addition, some discriminatory laws and policies disadvantage women in the political arena. In only 67 out of 173 countries, there are laws in place that are against gender discrimination in hiring practices^[6], which probably includes the political field. These barriers contribute to the persistent gender gap in political representation and influence, and addressing them is crucial for achieving gender equality in politics. 

Ultimately, embracing diversity in political leadership leads to more inclusive policies and better reflects the needs of society as a whole. Through politics, women can feel empowered and gain further support for gender equality. Actively working towards breaking down barriers that prevent women from fully participating in political decision-making, and providing insight and advice on the political field to aspiring woman politicians, can aid in creating a more equitable and representative political landscape. 

References: 

[1] Jeannette Rankin. U.S. Senate: Jeannette Rankin. (2023, August 7). https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/electing-appointing-senators/jeannette-rankin senate-campaign.htm#:~:text=No%20history%20of%20American%20representative,singular%2 0event%20occurred%20in%201916. 

[2]Pew Research Center. (2023, September 25). More than half of Americans point to women having to do more to prove themselves as a major obstacle for women seeking high political office. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/27/views-of-obstacles-for-women-seeking-hi gh-political-office/st_2023-09-27_women-leaders-politics_2-01-png/ 

[3]U.S. EMBASSY IN GEORGIA. (n.d.). https://ge.usembassy.gov/women-in-politics-a-timeline

[4]Voting rights for women: The right to vote: Elections: Classroom materials at the Library of Congress: Library of Congress. The Library of Congress. (n.d.). https://www.loc.gov/classroom-materials/elections/right-to-vote/voting-rights-for-women/

[5]Why women? – representwomen. (n.d.). https://www.representwomen.org/why_women 

[6]Women, U. (n.d.). Women in the changing world of work – Facts you should know. https://interactive.unwomen.org/multimedia/infographic/changingworldofwork/en/index.html

From the Eyes of a Women  

Tanvir Bhamra
April 2024

A woman may just be on her way to work, but with each step she takes she navigates through a minefield of double standards. This woman and countless others go through similar experiences of these ridiculous expectations and treatment compared to their male counterparts, as if they’re walking on eggshells. Double standards are far from unknown, and women have protested against them repeatedly; however, many do not know that they are still present. 

The gender pay gap started back around the 1800s when it was finally common for women to work; the University of Missouri states in 1840-1841, men were paid $33.81 per month while women were paid 21 dollars less.^[2] This only devalues the time and effort women now put in, as it shows how they are not appreciated with the jarring contrast in wages. Unfortunately, this still continues now, multiple studies have shown that women are paid only 84% of what men are paid, and this is also dependent on their race with Black and Hispanic women getting paid less than men of the same race.^[3] 

While walking the streets, women find themselves being cautious to avoid the degrading experience of catcalling, where a stranger makes inappropriate or suggestive comments about their appearance. Despite it being a clear form of harassment, women are expected to tolerate such behavior and are mocked for speaking out against it. The normalization of this not only violates a woman’s dignity but also contributes to other women’s feelings of discomfort and fear. 

These double standards also exist in parenting, beginning with the expectation that women should stay at home with the kids. Meanwhile, fathers pay no attention. These ideas continue to influence present-day norms for the division of domestic labor. While mothers have the majority of childcare responsibilities, fathers are praised for performing even the most basic tasks. To add on, when fathers take care of their kids, others will call it “babysitting.” This can be infuriating for both parents as the father is just carrying out his responsibilities while everyone expects the mother to go above and beyond with childcare, sometimes ridiculing her if she gets “lazy.” This only places a burden on women and hinders the importance of fatherhood.^[1] 

Besides the expectations of parents, double standards even affect how parents treat their children; it is often shown that fathers are way more protective and strict with their daughters, giving them early curfews, forbidding them from dating, monitoring the clothes they wear, and more. Even my father brings up the idea of me having children in the future,  even though I’m not fond of kids. I notice that these comments are not directed at my brother, only mentioning that he’ll find a nice woman in the future. Fortunately, my father is not as strict with me on other matters, like curfews and diet, but he certainly treats me differently from my brother, though this is affected by age as well. 

In the midst of all of this, women feel pressured to fit into unrealistic beauty standards. For instance, having a shaved body has been very normalized in women. Many times in public I’ve made sure my underarm hair wasn’t showing in fear of dirty looks and judgment, a concern not present in the minds of men.   Additionally, women face criticism and harsh comments for exhibiting characteristics considered to be “manly” such as having body hair or a smaller chest.   A study from the National Library of Medicine says, “The results indicate that men devalue non-ideal bodies and upvalue ideal bodies when they are self-related, whereas women rate in a fair-minded manner. Thus, in contrast to women, an advantage for men may be that they can self-enhance in the case of desirable bodies.”^[4] In simpler terms, this talks about how men tend to devalue bodies that don’t match their ideal standards to boost their confidence; on the other hand, women judge bodies overall regardless of whether they match; possibly because of the many beauty standards pushed onto them. 

Noticing these situations in my day-to-day life has proven that these double standards have never disappeared and have been integrated into our culture and minds such that many don’t notice. In fact, women now hold men to high standards of being their partners, some more reasonable than others such as simply treating them with respect since it’s not shown as often. Either way, we need an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and flourish, and release ourselves from double standards. 

References

[1] Ciletti, N. (2024, April 3). Gendered Double Standards In Parenting: Five Strategies To Help Promote Fairness. BetterHelp. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/parenting/gendered-double-standards-in-parenting-5-strategies-to-help-promote-fairness/ 

[2] 1840-1849 – Prices and Wages by Decade. (2024, April 4). Library Guides. Retrieved April 12, 2024, from https://libraryguides.missouri.edu/pricesandwages/1840-1849

[3] George, E., & Livingston, G. (2024, March 12). What You Need to Know About the Gender Wage Gap. DOL Blog. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://blog.dol.gov/2024/03/12/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-gender-wage-gap

[4] Giving a Body a Different Face—How Men and Women Evaluate Their Own Body vs. That of Others. (2022, May 2). NCBI. Retrieved April 7, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9108869/

Mothers First, Women Second: Childfree Women’s Fight for Sterilization 

Lisa Samy
April 2024

For a woman to decide to be childfree—meaning to not have children—they are chained to a never-ending struggle for bodily autonomy. In particular, when it comes to the fight for permanent sterilization. Sue, a childfree woman living in Queensland, Australia, had long suffered uncomfortable side effects from hormonal contraception.^[1] Yet, her doctor refused to consider her request for permanent sterilization, and “treated [her] very condescendingly,” leaving her with “long-lasting trauma.”^[1] 

Surely if women are old enough to have children, then they are old enough to choose not to have them as well. As of now, many people believe this isn’t the case. 

Don’t Want Children? Prepare to get “Bingoed” 

Rising inflation, living costs, climate change, and stricter anti-abortion legislations ( the reversal of Roe v. Wade) have solidified an increasing number of young women’s choice to be childfree.^[4] Still, there are women who don’t wish to have children simply because they don’t feel “that calling” to be a mother.^[4] Any and all reasons should be treated as enough, but society’s overwhelmingly pronatalist views and enforced gender roles bar its validation. 

Therefore, childfree women are lambasted with negative and presumptuous comments about their decision, even from friends and family. One of the largest online childfree communities—the r/childfree subreddit on the platform Reddit—has labeled these remarks as “bingos.”^[2] Some notable bingos are “you’ll change your mind,” “don’t worry, you’ll find the one someday” or “so, you just sleep around then?”^[2] In short, their choices aren’t taken seriously and reduced to a phase. 

The Hard-fought Battle for Sterilization 

The main reason doctors deny sterilization requests to child-free women are their potential regret for their decision.^[3] However, studies show that post sterilization regret for women is merely “20.3 percent of those 30 or younger and 5.9 percent of those over 30.”^[3] Regardless, the world constantly equates motherhood to womanhood, forcing childfree women into a status of perceived inferiority. They are stereotyped as selfish and immature, shirking from their duty to reproduce, and regarded with a less rewarding life compared to women with children.^[3]

On the other hand, childfree men don’t deal with nearly as much backlash. Fatherhood is associated as a learned skill rather than an intrinsic one—as in, separate to a man’s biological makeup.^[3] Furthermore, studies indicating the sterilization regret for childfree men are sparse, cementing that men aren’t held up to the same level of scrutiny.^[3] As such, sexism creates a division between childfree men and childfree women’s experiences. 

In fact, childfree women with partners have attested to this disparity. Jess Lawry, a military spouse, says her husband was able to receive a vasectomy with little to no pushback from doctors.^[4] It’s a stark contrast compared to her journey for a tubal ligation: one of countless attempts, ending with no approval for sterilization.^[4] 

Opening the Doors to Communication 

Women are slowly realizing that having children isn’t an obligation—it’s a choice. Those who do opt to be childfree hope to have candid discussions with their friends and family one day, but fear the derisive remarks they may receive.^[1] When people let go of gendered prejudices, it opens a much needed path for childfree women to find support from loved ones, and access birth control that caters to their needs. 

References: 

[1] Davey, Melissa. (2021). ‘Why is it such a scandalous thing?’: the women who have to fight for their right to be child-free. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jan/08/why-is-it-such-a-scandalous-thing-the-women -who-have-to-fight-for-their-right-to-be-child-free 

[2] Hintz A., Elizabeth & Brown L., Clinton. (2019). Childfree and “bingoed”: A relational dialectics theory analysis of meaning creation in online narratives about voluntary childlessness. Communication Monographs. (2019). https://www.marshall.edu/commstu/files/Monographs_Childfree-and-bingoed_-A-relational-dial ectics-theory-analysis-of-meaning-creation-in-online-narratives-about-voluntary-childlessness.pdf 

[3] Lalonde, Dianne. (2018). Sexist barriers block women’s choice to be sterilized. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/sexist-barriers-block-womens-choice-to-be-sterilized-99754 

[4] Sweeney, Britney. (2022). The rise of childfree Gen-Z: As demand for female STERILIZATION for under-30s soars, ‘childless-by-choice’ women speak out about their decision and the bitter struggles they’ve faced – from doctors REFUSING surgeries to shock $28K bill. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11051355/Gen-Z-women-sterilized-speak-decision.htm

The Loneliness Epidemic and What the World is Doing to Fight It 

The loneliness epidemic has been touted as an epidemic of modern societies. According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, the current Surgeon General of the United States, more than half of American adults are lonely.^[9] Globally, it has been estimated that 1 in 4 older people experience social isolation and between 5 and 15 percent of adolescents experience loneliness.^[20] 

Loneliness is a feeling that may arise at certain moments in life and affects anyone, regardless of gender, age, or socio-demographic characteristics.^[22] Loneliness is synonymous with perceived social isolation, not with objective social isolation. In other words, people can live relatively solitary lives and not feel lonely. Conversely, people can lead a seemingly rich social life and feel lonely.^[10] Loneliness is a distressing feeling that accompanies the perception that one’s social needs are not being met by the quantity or quality of one’s social relationships.^[10] 

Causes of Loneliness 

There are numerous root causes of loneliness such as lack of social skills, disagreeableness, and antisocial behavioral tendencies. For example, less agreeable adolescents are more likely to report a chronically high level of loneliness.^[6] Social media might also be to blame.^[6] A study found that the more time spent on social media, the greater the risk of loneliness overall, especially for people who used social media as a means for maintaining relationships.^[3] We have become less trustworthy of others, which contributes to social isolation and loneliness.^{[2] [18] [21]} Living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illnesses, long-term disabilities, going through changes such as the loss of a job or divorce, sensory impairments, and psychiatric or depressive disorders might cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness.^{[4] [16]} 

Effects of Loneliness on Health

Loneliness can impact both physical and mental well-being. Higher risk of heart disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, and metabolic disorders, such as obesity and metabolic disease, have all been associated with loneliness.^[22] In fact, loneliness increases the likelihood of early death by 26 percent—an increase roughly equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness has been associated with an increased risk of depression, psychosis, mental disorders, anxiety, stress, and suicide.^{[12] [14] [22]} 

What the World is Doing to Fight Loneliness 

In light of this epidemic and its insidious effects, governments and companies alike are attempting to tackle loneliness. Here are a few examples. 

• In 2018, the UK appointed its first Loneliness Ministry to develop and support innovative anti-loneliness programs.^[11] 

• The National Health Service of the UK has funded social prescribing, an approach where doctors can refer their patients to activities, groups, and services in their community,^[9] such as pottery classes, language courses, dance, and cooking lessons to name a few. 

• The Know Your Neighbourhood Fund, launched by the UK government in January 2023, is a £30-million funding initiative aimed at increasing community participation and addressing loneliness in 27 disadvantaged areas across England. The fund focuses on supporting individuals in these areas to connect through volunteering, enhancing their well-being.^[5] 

• Japan’s Prime Minister appointed a Minister of Loneliness in 2021 to address the rising issues of loneliness, social isolation, and increased suicide rates exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions, which have mainly affected women and the elderly.^[17] 

• In 2023, New York Governor Kathy Hochul appointed 95-year-old media personality and sex therapist Dr. Ruth, also known as Ruth Westheimer, as the state’s Loneliness Ambassador to address the growing issue of loneliness.^[19] 

• That same year, Australia launched its first ever Loneliness Awareness Week (7 through 11 August), which aims to raise awareness about loneliness and its impact on mental and physical health and to encourage individuals and communities to take action to reduce loneliness and increase social connections.^[13]

• In response to reports of over a million people in South Korea living as recluses due to the coronavirus scare, the government has introduced a monthly living allowance of US $490 for lonely youths to encourage them to leave their homes.^[1] 

• It is not only governments that take action when it comes to fighting loneliness. The Dutch grocery store chain Jumbo has created slow “chat checkout” lanes where cashiers take time to talk with people. Additionally, Jumbo has created “chat corners” where people can enjoy coffee and small talk.^[15] 

• In Ireland, Friends of the Elderly, established in 1980 as a volunteer-based charity, is dedicated to combating loneliness among older individuals living alone. With a small staff and committed volunteers, the organization provides emotional and social support to improve the lives of older members, promoting independence and a sense of community connection.^[8] 

• Ventilen, which translates to “friend to one” in Danish, is a two-decade-old initiative designed to unite individuals aged 15 to 25 in Denmark. Organized twice a week, the program pairs 2 or 3 volunteers with the participants. Within the group, activities such as playing games, preparing meals, attending cinema outings, and fostering essential human connections take place, addressing the sense of connection that many in this age group may be seeking.^[7] 

In conclusion, the global battle against the loneliness epidemic is gaining momentum, with various nations implementing strategies to address this pervasive issue. From government to community-based initiatives fostering social connections, the world is actively seeking solutions to combat loneliness. 

References 

[1] Awasthi, A. (2023). ‘Hikikomori’: South Korea paying its ‘lonely’ youth to go out and socialise. https://www.firstpost.com/world/hikikomori-south-korea-paying-its-lonely-youth-to-go-out-a nd-socialise-12449452.html 

[2] Barjaková, M., Garnero, A., & d’Hombres, B. (2023). Risk factors for loneliness: A literature review. Social science & medicine (1982), 334, 116163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116163

[3] Bonsaksen, T., Ruffolo, M., Price, D., Leung, J., Thygesen, H., Lamph, G., Kabelenga, I., & Geirdal, A. Ø. (2023). Associations between social media use and loneliness in a cross-national population: do motives for social media use matter? Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine,11(1), 2158089. https://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2022.2158089 

[4] Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Health Risks of Social Isolation and Loneliness. https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/loneliness.htm 

[5] Department of Culture, Media and Sport (2023). About the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-the-know-your-neighbourhood-fund 

[6] Dibb, B., & Foster, M. (2021). Loneliness and Facebook use: the role of social comparison and rumination. Heliyon, 7(1), e05999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05999

[7] Dr. Happy (2023). A simple way to combat loneliness; lessons from the Danes. https://drhappy.com.au/2019/04/23/a-simple-way-to-combat-loneliness-lessons-from-the-dan es/ 

[8] Friends of the Elderly Ireland (n.d.). Bringing Friendship and Companionship. https://friendsoftheelderly.ie/about/ 

[9] Global Wellness Summit (2023). Governments Ramp Up the War on Loneliness. https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/blog/governments-ramp-up-the-war-on-loneliness/ 

[10] Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine: A Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218–227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8

[11] John, T. (2018). How the World’s First Loneliness Minister Will Tackle ‘the Sad Reality of Modern Life’.https://time.com/5248016/tracey-crouch-uk-loneliness-minister/ 

[12] King, M. (2018). Working to address the loneliness epidemic: perspective-taking, presence, and self-disclosure. American Journal of Health Promotion, 32(5),1315–1317. doi:10.1177/0890117118776735c 

[13] Loneliness Awareness Week (2023). Lonely, not Alone. https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/

[14] Mann, F., Wang, J., Pearce, E., Ma, R., Schlief, M., Lloyd-Evans, B., Ikhtabi, S., & Johnson, S. (2022). Loneliness and the onset of new mental health problems in the general population. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 57(11), 2161–2178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-022-02261-7 

[15] Moran, P.D. (2023). Aisles Abroad: Dutch grocer Jumbo embraces a slower checkout option. https://www.grocerydive.com/news/aisles-abroad-dutch-grocer-jumbo-slow-chat-checkouts/6 45702/ 

[16] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. (2020). Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. National Academies Press (US).

[17] OMF (2021). Japan Appoints Minister of Loneliness, Can He Solve the Loneliness Problem? https://omf.org/us/japan-appoints-minister-of-loneliness-can-he-solve-the-loneliness-problem/

[18] Rapolienė, G., & Aartsen, M. (2021). Lonely societies: low trust societies? Further explanations for national variations in loneliness among older Europeans. European Journal of Ageing, 19(3), 485–494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00649-z 

[19] The New York Times (2023). Dr. Ruth Saved People’s Sex Lives. Now She Wants to Cure Loneliness. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/nyregion/dr-ruth-loneliness-ambassador.html

[20] World Health Organization (2024). Social Isolation and Loneliness. https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-a geing/social-isolation-and-loneliness 

[21] Yang, J., & Moorman, S. M. (2021). Beyond the Individual: Evidence Linking Neighborhood Trust and Social Isolation Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 92(1), 22–39. https://doi.org/10.1177/0091415019871201

[22] Yanguas, J., Pinazo-Henandis, S., & Tarazona-Santabalbina, F. J. (2018). The complexity of loneliness. Acta bio-medica: Atenei Parmensis, 89(2), 302–314. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v89i2.7404