Kamala Harris’s nomination as the White House Presidential candidate sparks a million emotions but to me this current Vice President of the United States, could make history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold this position. Which brings us to the important question of how many women even aspire to be a part of the process of running a country, making policies and good governance. The fact is far from running the government, women don’t even aspire to run a company, and are “satisfied” to be just “running a household”.
Active participation of women in legislatures should not be just a goal in itself, but is key to building and sustaining democracies. Women are not a minority; they are one half of the world’s population and yet global female representation is still much below 30 per cent. If they have no voice, no representation, how will their perspective ever come across? The world is surely being deprived of the female viewpoint, what could have been a far more sensitive and caring perspective, as opposed to the pragmatic worldview of men. For example, Jacinda Ardern leadership during crises, such as the Christchurch Mosque shootings, showcased her empathetic approach, emphasizing unity and compassion. Her government’s response to COVID-19, marked by clear communication and decisive action, has been lauded globally.
The Ellen Johnson Sirleaf presidency focused on reconciliation and rebuilding Liberia’s education and healthcare systems after years of civil war. Her emphasis on women’s rights and education has had a lasting impact on the country’s development.
Former Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel could navigate complex relationships within the EU, exercising both stability and caution.
Back home, Nirmala Sitharaman’s pivotal role in successful implementation of Balakot airstrike in 2019 as the then Defence Minister, is remembered till date and as Finance Minister, her initiatives to boost digital payments and tax reforms. Droupadi Murmu’s rise from a tribal girl who dared to dream to then becoming the Jharkhand governor to attaining the highest constitutional office in the country, the President of India, has been inspirational. Her impactful initiatives underscored not only empathy but also strategic vision.
Back in the day, Margaret Thatcher known as the “Iron Lady” UK’s first female Prime Minister had a transformative impact on British economic and foreign policies. Thatcher’s policies, known collectively as Thatcherism, had a profound impact on the UK’s economic landscape and are credited with reviving the British economy.
Finland, known to be the happiest country in the world, is a country with a female majority cabinet led by a woman Prime Minister Sanna Marin, with a strong focus on education and healthcare reform. Marin has been a vocal advocate for climate action, social welfare, and gender equality.
The point I am making is about the size of the dreams of women versus men. Our dreams need to be bigger than our capacities, as someone said and we need to catapult from being the backbenchers and shadows of men and Mrs so and so to taking centerstage, occupying front row seats and being in the thick of things. Why can’t women afford to have voracious appetites for their lives, making things happen rather than watching things happen or worse, wondering what happened. The answers are not with the women but the way the society works and our social conditioning. Should you be apologetic for thinking big and dreaming big and working towards it. Of course not.
Myanmar’s prominent leader Aung San Suu Kyi famously said – “I think more women should be involved in politics for the good of the human race.” Women leaders often bring a unique perspective to governance, and also prioritize diplomatic and cooperative approaches to conflict resolution, besides having a greater emphasis on social welfare, healthcare, and education.