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There aren’t official rules about women politicians’ appearances, but unwritten pressures certainly exist

Editorial / Opinion Piece / Blog Post

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April 29, 2024

There aren’t official rules about women politicians’ appearances, but unwritten pressures certainly exist

Source: City & State NY

Despite their increasing visibility, women in government must still contend with gendered biases about the ways in which they choose to present themselves.

New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif represents many firsts for the New York City Council. Not only is she the first woman to represent her district, but she is also the first-ever Muslim woman on the Council and one of two members of South Asian descent. 

She was one of the first of her colleagues to openly support a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Gaza, and she has also helped propel the city’s immigrant workers’ bill of rights and universal composting program forward. 

She is unique in her accomplishments and aspirations as a politician, yet she told City & State in an interview that she was once taken aback by a complaint – not about her work – but about her hair not looking like “some of these other council members who do their hair and appear presentable,” she said.

Read here the full article published by the City and State of New York on 25 April 2024.

Image by City and State of New York

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Author
Mia Hollie
Focus areas

Despite their increasing visibility, women in government must still contend with gendered biases about the ways in which they choose to present themselves.

New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif represents many firsts for the New York City Council. Not only is she the first woman to represent her district, but she is also the first-ever Muslim woman on the Council and one of two members of South Asian descent. 

She was one of the first of her colleagues to openly support a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Gaza, and she has also helped propel the city’s immigrant workers’ bill of rights and universal composting program forward. 

She is unique in her accomplishments and aspirations as a politician, yet she told City & State in an interview that she was once taken aback by a complaint – not about her work – but about her hair not looking like “some of these other council members who do their hair and appear presentable,” she said.

Read here the full article published by the City and State of New York on 25 April 2024.

Image by City and State of New York

.

Author
Mia Hollie
Focus areas

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