Leave the politics to us, love
Bubble — By Duncan Higgitt on March 10, 2010 7:00 am
What political strengths are we missing out on by having less women in office?
BIT of a personal tale. It goes back over the past four months and concerns a realisation, and a conclusion, that while some in public life are content to lecture the rest of us on standards, they don’t always see those standards as applicable to themselves.
No sh**, Sherlock. But this isn’t to do with expenses. Instead, it is all about how the equality agenda is preached but rarely practised. And it is all to do with something bordering on hypocrisy.
In that four-month period that I’ve worked for Bethan Jenkins, I’ve seen her wrongly described as naive, inexperienced, accused of playing student politics, sixth form politics, even primary school politics. How much further back can you go? To the kindergarten? The cradle? Among those that stand accused of making such remarks are the Tory benches in the National Assembly, and the Secretary of State for Wales. She’s not the only one to be attacked. Her Plaid colleague Nerys Evans was also associated with the classroom on this site.
This begs the question: when was the last time you ever heard a man accused of – let’s be frank here – immature political argument? It simply isn’t in the lexicon of oft-used phrases when men are throwing debate back and forth among one another. But perhaps the most disturbing aspect of such an approach to young, female political participation is a willingness to get so personal so swiftly. It still seems acceptable in some quarters to wave away women’s contributions as if they are the product of some emotional, impulsive and of-the-moment reaction rather than a considered and fully-thought-through position. It’s the political equivalent of a slap on the arse and a command to go get the kettle on while the men talk shop.
Of course, it could be that this treatment is limited to my sphere of experience (it’s only been four months, after all). But it has happened, and it should raise important and wider questions about female participation in Welsh politics to those that have witnessed it. Over the past five years, the outstanding debate in this area has focused on the controversial female-only shortlists, and continues to rumble on within the Labour party in particular (recent events in Islwyn have invoked the shadow, if not the theme, of what happened in Blaenau Gwent in 2005, too).
Last year’s Who Runs Wales?, authored by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, provided a set of comparable statistics. Female elected representatives as a percentage (and updated where known) are as follows:
* Welsh Government cabinet (excluding deputy ministers) – 40%
* Assembly Members – 47%
* MPs – 20%
* MEPs – 50%
* Council leaders – 18%
* Councillors – 25%
As we can see, only with our four MEPs is there any gender balance in representation, despite there being more women in Wales than men. Across the UK, just 19.5% of MPs are women, which proportionally ranks 69th in the world, behind Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan – nations often heavily criticised for their treatment of women. In addition, the percentage of women Assembly Members is set to fall to around 30%, according to an IWA report out last year. An article on this site also discussed the same phenomenon. This is a worrying development for a legislature that become the first in the world to achieve equal representation.
However, if the IWA is right, the Assembly will still have a higher number of women representatives than in the Commons, the council chambers and cabinets of Wales. Taking at random one local authority, Neath Port Talbot, women occupy just 16 of the 64 council seats in the borough. According to demographics alone, with 69,500 females from a total population of 134,468, women should make up over half the council. But when socio-demographic factors like numbers of lone parent households (6,706 from a total of 57,609 – over one in 10) are factored in, that balance gives a more urgent impetus to change.
Of course, it can be argued that performance matters more than gender balance – is the council in question delivering its services? Neath Port Talbot had more money invested in Icelandic banks than any other Welsh local authority, some £20m from a total of £66m across the country. Now it is looking for 750 redundancies (Unison claims it will be closer to 1,200), the highest so far of any local authority in Wales, and an average 3.8% increase in Council Tax as it also looks to balance its books from both the collapse of the Icelandic bank system and a tough settlement from, ultimately, a Government seeking to rebuild public finances in the wake of the bailout.
Would matters have been different had more women sat on the authority? We can only speculate. In other ways, Neath Port Talbot council would argue, it has met or exceeded targets. For example, it is the best council in Wales for equal pay (another subject that deserves a column all of its own). No doubt making a case that links one local authority’s performance with its male-female make-up could be easily picked apart. But the point is that we don’t know the alternative because it hasn’t been tried yet. And we should.
In the neighbouring council area of Swansea, WalesHome.org contributor Rene Kinzett got himself into hot water for claiming that many of his local authority colleagues were “past it”. He mounted a spirited defence of his claims on this site, arguing:
“The image of ‘old, white men’ running local authorities prompted the Welsh Assembly Government to offer some councillors a cash incentive if they stood down in the 2004 election. In 2004, the average age of councillors in Wales was 61. A total of 79 members, from the eight local authorities that participated in the scheme, took up the offer. It cost the taxpayer more than £1.6m.
“And the result? The average age of the Welsh councillor is now estimated at 59 (following a survey of 20 of the 22 Welsh authorities in 2008). Two years lower than in 2004. Was it really worth the cost, bearing in mind that the proportion of male to female councillors across Wales is still appalling, with just over 75% being male?”
Rene copped the flak for what was perceived as ageist remarks, and much of the coverage around the time that the Welsh Government made the incentive centred specifically upon the 60, 70 and 80-somethings running or sitting on councils. But Rene is right in pinpointing the 75%-25% split and labelling it appalling, because it simply isn’t representative. But beyond that, it’s time to realise that the old, white men have had their go.
Despite a wealth of ideas coming from a service delivery level, most local authorities seem intent on a top-down approach, which invariably means taking a samurai sword to services. To this cynical mind, this protects the mandarins and therefore does nothing but maintain the status quo. It attempts nothing fundamental. We’ll need elections to make changes. But as these cuts are going to continue for at least the next four to five years, there’s a real opportunity to address gender imbalance and bring in fresh ideas the next time we go to the polls.
As for those politicians who think it’s fine to indulge in ad hominem argument rather than the issue at hand, it’s time to change the dialogue. Time to stop chuntering about sixth form politics and find a more sophisticated way of debating than resorting to playground taunts.
Here’s Bethan’s view, from her blog yesterday:
Tags: Bethan Jenkins, candidate selection, gender, International Women's Day, local government, women“I often feel that because I am passionate and idealistic, it is seen as a flaw- I hear them think ‘ well, she’ll grow out of it’. However … this is often about the status quo trying to fit young politicians into neat boxes which are just not our shape or size. Energising young women to become politicians is not about creating a cardboard cut out, a yes person, a smiley face for TV. It’s about offering something new, unique, creative that wasn’t there before. Scratch the surface and young women have a lot to offer- when you don’t scratch the surface, they start to wonder how they can make a difference.
“Women politicians need to look at themselves, and realise their self worth.”
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22 Comments
Duncan
A subject close my political opinion…we agree on something!
I also note that Bethan is describing, “It’s about offering something new, unique, creative that wasn’t there before. Scratch the surface and young women have a lot to offer..” Is that Rachel Banner?
Its also a little imbred too. Too much Welsh politics seems to be “family business”. That could apply just as well to the US!
Len, you are a cheeky so-and-so! It’s part of your appeal. Glad to have you back commenting again.
Duncan!
Great article! Your passion really comes across!
From my point of view, I believe it is very important to receive a female perspective in government. However, I admit to feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of discrimination in favor of gender, ethnicity, or race. Having said that, I do recognize that affirmative action in favor of increasing diversity may be a necessary evil to “jump start” that particular representation within government in the short term.
But, if the electorate still does not vote that particular candidate into office, who can blame them really?
In Spain, the Zapatero government passed the Gender Equality Act in Congress which basically stated that there has to be gender parity in the cabinet and elsewhere in government. Now, there are six male and six female cabinet ministers. Despite the pro-gender equality, the Spanish electorate still has not voted into office proportional male verses female Congressional representatives. Additionally, Zapatero has affirmed that he intends to amend the constitution there for a gender blind succession to the Spanish crown.
I do not know if measures to force gender equality in elections are the answer. I think at best, any government administration would best set the tone by simply appointing a significant number of females to key positions. I remain unsure if there should be a 50/50 quota though.
As for Bethan Jenkins as an AM; I think it is marvellous that she is in the Assembly. Bethan is an asset to the Assembly and her party. Whatever her political faction, she stands as an inspiration for youth (male or female), and for women across Wales to become involved in politics.
Statistically, Rachel Banner would have a better chance of becoming an AM rather than an MP. Has she considered that career move I wonder?
What about term limitations to get fresh blood in?
Re: Michael Cridland and Term Limits
On one hand I like term limits, for fresh blood and all that. But what if there is an exceptionally talented representative? Would we want to deprive the people of the talents of this person because of term limits? Or even if the repreentative is loved by his or her electorate.
I am leaning towards elections as the decider for term limits myself.
“Statistically, Rachel Banner would have a better chance of becoming an AM rather than an MP. Has she considered that career move I wonder?”
My snouts tell me so. Perhaps she will make it clear in due course. I actually think she would be a welcome addition (stay with me), she does bring robust debate with her and does appear to have personality.
Back to the topic at hand.
I always find it crazy we ever had a gender pay gap anyway. Not that I didnt believe it, but how come women just got offered less money for the same job? Must say that offends my senses and it should be rectified immediately.
In terms of politics, I am for affirmative action because it does provide a clear guarantee of making parliament more representative. Cannot say I am not that keen on defined quotas in terms of overall percentages, but I am glad Plaid pursue the aim proactively.
I grew up with strong female authority figures without male ones, so the thought of ever considering otherwise just doesnt occur to me. Me and Bethan didnt used to see eye to eye previously, but I have always respected her immensely. She is of very similar age to me, and frankly to carry out the job in such a passionate and effective manner scares the life out of me. I certainly couldnt deal with the pressure at my age.
DL.
“On one hand I like term limits, for fresh blood and all that. But what if there is an exceptionally talented representative? Would we want to deprive the people of the talents of this person because of term limits? Or even if the repreentative is loved by his or her electorate.”
Yes because there could be someone with equally or even more talented who would lose out. Also when you have case when you have 3 or more candidates in a election that a politician can stay in office forever without being representative of the voters. No one is indispensable – just ask Ted Kennedy’s successor.
On the issue of gender, I also notice that some of the other female AMs have been subjected to some really nasty comments to do with their competence, which I dont think is addressed here. However, I know that Cardiff City Council has had women councillors who were quite prominent. Bella Brown and Betty Buttle come to mind, and no one would have dared patronise them.
Think of dress sense being harmful to elected politicians! The dress sense stories that have stood out in Welsh politics in the past 50 years are Leo Abse’s waistcoats, Peter Black’s ties and Michael Foot’s donkey jacket!
I have seen comments on blogs in the past few days calling Peter Black childish, and accusing Alex Salmond and Ieuan Wyn of spitting their dummies out of the pram. I assume that student politics is more mature than childish and dummy sucking level.
I disagree with Bethan, because I think that she is wrong. I disagree with her left wing narrative because I sincerely believe that it is harmful to Wales and the nationalist cause. I would disagree as much with a middle aged man who made similar points – and yes I would ridicule him in my opposition.
The suggestion that because I am a man who is old enough to be Bethan’s grandfather that my opposition to her point of view must be misogynist and ageist is tosh. I would disagree with the same views if they were espoused by a 90 year old male! To suggest otherwise is insulting to me and to Bethan!
Alwyn
I don’t think anyone is suggesting that any and all opposition to women politicians is sexism.
I think Peter Hain’s criticism was perhaps based on his own experiences. The Young Liberals were always being accused of being immature and childish. I think to be fair Alwyn has a point. Its an issue of immaturity that is being discussed, not sex. I have seen plenty of examples on the blogs of all politicos being called childish.
Came to this late. I am not going to make assumptions based on names, but I don’t get the impression that many women have commented here.
Whilst I agree absolutely with the premise of this article (I would introduce mandatory provisions like the Spanish example, and cap terms on councils – though not age) it is telling that there seem to be so few women even joining the debate.
The calibre of councillors’ competence (taking Cardiff as an example maybe) is what we need to address even more urgently that their gender. Let’s start with job descriptions and perhaps pre-qualification assessment by an independent board of competence. Now that would be a start.
Peter – You’re quite right. We had three days of IWD-related features and nary a female comment. I may have found this disheartening only for the fact that I work inside the bubble. I had a very good conversation with a female AM (not my employer) on the basis of this piece, and she said it really needed saying. I asked her why she didn’t commit that to the comments column and she answered: “Well, it’s all for men, isn’t it?”
A joke, certainly, but with a grain of truth. Perhaps it’s something for WalesHome in the future.
Alwyn – read the piece again before inferring an insult. Michael – I was there. I know how it was implied.
Alwyn, as Adam Higgitt has said, this article, and the one I wrote on my blog, is not about the fact that female politicians shouldn’t be criticised at all. Of course, criticise me if you don’t agree with my politics, I wouldn’t expect any less. The point is how it is done, and how more often than not, comments refer to my age, my gender when people criticise my politics. I wish everyone thought like you ie. that it wouldn’t matter what my age was, that you would still disagree with me, but believe me, the tactics used to criticise women in politics are not ones that refer solely to my political actions.
It is a worry that women have not commented on these blogs. But I think that I can safely say that lots of women read the blogs, but they do not comment. I don’t know why that is- perhaps they don’t want to get sucked in to the sometimes ya boo world of commenting on blogs that is very often dominated by men. Who knows? From my own experience, I comment less and less on blog posts because I do my own blogs, and get on with things. I’d like more debates over on my own blog, but perhaps people are not so keen to comment on political blogs as they are on independent based websites like this.
Anyway, I hope it will spark discussion for the future.
“The calibre of councillors’ competence (taking Cardiff as an example maybe) is what we need to address even more urgently that their gender. Let’s start with job descriptions and perhaps pre-qualification assessment by an independent board of competence. Now that would be a start.”
Then why confine it to local government? surely a cabinet minister who knows naught about his brief is far more frightening than a member of a council executive (which is what I think your agenda is).
Who would appoint this “independent board”. My solution get rid of political parties out of local government. work out why 25-30% of the electorate vote in local elections.
term limitations (which I think Peter was referring to). Tests for candidates with the results published on the ballot forms.
Education in schools. American government is compulsory in US schools with good ol Magruders as a text book.
“My solution get rid of political parties out of local government. ”
How?
Why?
How. Ban them. why, the £5 million bill that the citizens of Cardiff had to pay because the previous Labour administration challenged the auditor in court over their illegal expenses. Just think of what that money could have been spent on?
Re: DH “We had three days of IWD-related features and nary a female comment.”
I suspect it’s the rule of large numbers. WalesHome is pretty specific in its focus on Wales. While welcoming articles and commentary from a wider audience, Wales does not generate the same high profile coverage as, say, an “EnglandHome” page would.
Re: DH and BJ on female commentary:
While undoubtedly women are interested in politics, policy, and government, leaving comments on political and social issues boards is not generally how the majority of women chose to express their opinion. Generally speaking, women (and gay men too) tend to be excellent communicators using text media to express opinion and commentary. But politics in general and social issues in particular tend to generate partisan and confrontational responses that are generally strident in tone and unhelpful in reasoned debate, putting off many from leaving commentary. This is what, in my opinion, that AM DH was speaking to had touched on, “Well, it’s all for men, isn’t it?”
In my observations, women generally tend to be more diplomatic in their responses which are lost on those leaving strident and high strung responses in forums such as these. This is why, in my opinion, a female perspective is invaluable in government.
Additionally, politics and policy debate does not generate the same kind of interest outside of election seasons for either gender. Therefore, readership and commentary will clearly decline, except from political aficionados. I remember in political sciences class that sustained year-round interest in politics appeals to only about 10% of the population. People are interested in kitchen table issues such as job security, rent and mortgages, education and health care and are ready to comment to a reporter on a street interview, but they have things to do that night and don’t have the time to read up on these forums and leave comments.
Re: Ageism in politics
BJ is quite right and undoubtedly she has been the victim of ageism in opponent’s criticism of her views, as people have targeted her youth. This can be expressed in many forms. While one may disagree with her politics, her clear dedication to representing her constituencies can not be questioned. That said, one can criticise BJ’s experience (in terms of tenure) in policy making without touching on her age, or letting it devolve to that level.
Re: reiterating objection to gender quotas:
Though I note that the female perspective is absolutely important, I disagree in legislating a mandate for that in government or in legislatures. Its one thing for a political party to choose and field only female candidates within any particular constituency, but its quite another to mandate that into law. Any mandate of that sort encourages discrimination, in my opinion.
Re: term limits and parties in local elections
Already commented above on term limits. I do not agree with term limits except the ballot box. As for political party membership in local elections, I do not think it practical. For one thing, membership in political parties is shorthand in communicating general political beliefs of a particular candidate. Additionally, factionalism is a particular characteristic of democratic politics and should be recognised.
“I do not think it practical. For one thing, membership in political parties is shorthand in communicating general political beliefs of a particular candidate. Additionally, factionalism is a particular characteristic of democratic politics and should be recognised.”
With the shrinking membership in political parties it might be impractical. Also a very small talent pool to pull from. People are more concerned with services than what colour rosette their candidates are wearing and frequently vote for someone who may be from a party that they dont normally support. However the key should be education in how the system works in the schools.
“Ban them”
You mean like in your average totalitarian dictatorship. Nice
“the £5 million bill that the citizens of Cardiff had to pay because the previous Labour administration challenged the auditor in court over their illegal expenses. ”
What? That couldn’t happen in a council of “independants”.? People of like minded political views will congregate together and act in concert. Stripping away the party labels wouldn’t remove those people’s politics. All it will means is that we won’t know what those politics are until after they’re elected at best
As a woman that has never ever quite managed to find her place, let alone ‘know’ her place, engaging in politics has been a bit a tricky. I think it kind of boils down to the simple combination of scarce resources, who got their first, and conformity to the wider gender roles assigned to men and women.
I don’t know why, must be something in my disposition, but every political forum I go to, someone always seems to end up asking me where the toilet is. I obviously always respond professionally and politely point them in the right direction, and I hasten to add that these toilet enquiries do not always derive from men alone. I think the last person to ask was actually Jane Davidson. Although this new found toilet director role is rather amusing, in economic terms, it is a complete waste and under use of resources, as I know I’ve got a brain, but if I can see there is no outlet to use it then I’ll switch it off, sit back and enjoy the show and let someone else do all the work whilst I remain dependant and passive. I suppose the point I am making, is the burden of change should not be on women, to become more like men. The equality agenda isn’t just a moral issue, it’s economic. At the moment, in terms of gender relations, we’re under stretching women and therefore just not maximising the potential profit, metaphorically speaking of course, that women in political life can make. We seriously need to work towards cultivating a perceptual and in part a structural change to ensure women are central to political life, because at the moment, there are questions that need to be asked around what is economically and socially lost when women are not enabled to maximise their potential?