women's representation

The media plays a crucial role in the political or electoral process. It's the ears and eyes of the public and help mould perceptions. 

People rely on it for information on making decisions on a range of issues such as choosing their political leaders, informing them about their activities, mandate of political campaigns and giving them effective coverage while in office.

Democratic attorney and activist Sandra Fluke has decided against running for retiring Rep. Henry A. Waxman’s congressional seat, instead planning a bid for the state Senate.

Ranked 21st most powerful woman in the world, Helen Clark, 63, New Zealand’s Prime Minister for nine years, and now head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), gives Telegraph journalist Louisa Peacock a masterclass on how women can survive the cut throat world of politics.

Clark is getting ready to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos.

 We invite you to read the full article published February 4, 2013

Women in Politics: It’s about substance, not style

By Sheila Wood, Provincial Chief Financial Officer

As world leaders met on a global stage for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this past week, it wasn’t hard to notice that something was missing. Women make up half of our planet’s population, yet this year only 15% of the attendees at one of the world’s most important gatherings of decision makers and influencers were female.

It’s only been a few days, but already the crutches are getting on Kirsten Gillibrand’s last nerve. A mid-October misstep on the squash court has left the famously energetic senator with a torn calf muscle that prevents her from putting weight on her heel without grimacing.

Seated at a conference table in her Capitol Hill offices, she demonstrates, flexing her foot, clad in a black Toms flat (“The most comfortable shoes I own!”), and gesturing at the large Ace bandage swaddling her right leg.

Last night, CBS introduced us to Cathy McMorris Rodgers, who delivered the Republican response to the State of the Union Address, with just three sentences: “She chairs the House GOP conference, which means she ranks fourth in the House leadership. She’s married to a retired naval officer. They have three young children, including a two-month old.” Short, sweet, and to the point. The point being that she’s a mom.

I do not consider myself to be a very political person. I pay a healthy amount of attention to politics during big election years and I enjoy the occasional West Wing rerun, but I certainly wouldn’t want to engage in a debate any time soon. However, I feel like I should know more and care more about politics so I do try to make an effort to pay attention.

Why are there so few women in politics? I think the wrong answer is “well, women don’t care about politics.” I think women are quite political. So why does this gender gap exist?

We invite you to read the full article published January 27, 2014