Women in Politics

At the end of 2008, according to recent surveys conducted by Polling Center, the majority of the voting public in urban as well as rural areas, still perceive themselves to be insufficiently informed regarding the 2009 General Elections. However, their present attitude is less of a ‘let’s look for more information on the 2009 general elections’ but more of a ‘wait-and-see’ attitude. It is surprising, then, that this kind of passivity permeating the voting public, does not seem to hinder the onset of changes in traditional outlooks, especially concerning women in politics.

More and more voters acknowledge and accept the increase in the number of women participating in politics. Not only do they acknowledge the increase in the number of women in politics, but more than half of the publics are of the opinion that women in parliament have increasingly improved their performance level, while women in government are perceived to be able to help enhance the workings of the government. What distinguishing elements are associated with women in politics? It is found that more than half of the voting publics associate women with less violent politics. This implies that women in the political scene, be they in the legislative or executive functions are perceived to tolerate less harsh and violent actions than their male counterparts. Women are generally associated with care and nurturance, and as a consequence, this is perceived to help the image of representing and responding to the interests and needs of the voters. Women in politics are also perceived by more than half of the voting public as being able to facilitate less corruption in government. According to male voters, women are more honest and trustworthy, and care more for other people in general.

In terms of competence and intelligence, it is currently perceived that there is no significant difference between men and women in politics.

On the other hand, although there are changes in traditional outlooks about women in politics, there still remain strong beliefs pertaining to the designated role of men and women in the leadership role. The concept of a leader’s characteristics still leans towards physical and mental strength, and the absence of any kind of fragility or vulnerability.

Women as voters

The progress of the role of women in politics largely depend on how voters perceive them. As voters consists of the same number of men as women, it is crucial that women candidates get full support from women voters, to counter the assumed preference of men voters. There is a perceived difference between male candidates and female candidates. The majority of women voters still seem to perceive that male candidates have the experience and are more “in their natural element”. Women voters see men as being qualified in terms of their leadership capabilities and strength of character. On the other hand, women voters see female candidates as having better personalities, are more compassionate and caring, and would bring the aspirations of women to the attention of the public.

It is currently found that half of women voters perceive that there are no differences between male and female candidates. They would be willing to vote for either one, as long as they are competent and would represent the interests of their constituents.

At the end of 2008, one third of women voters still seem to have strong preference towards the traditional concepts of men in the position of leaders. Perceptions still change. As was the experience in the 2004 General Elections changes in perceptions occur on a monthly and weekly basis proceeding the Elections. At the moment, we can only surmise the perception of the voting publics at the day of the Elections.

Yanti Sugarda
Polling Center
December 10, 2008

This article published in Garuda Magazine - January 2009