Challenges Faced by Women in Politics
Attacks on social media are one of the main challenges facing women who are looking to stand for Parliament, as highlighted by Labour and Conservative MPs.
Barriers to Entry
- Labour MP Julie Elliott emphasized the difficulties of preparing individuals for the public scrutiny they will face as public figures.
- Maria Miller, the Conservative former chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, stressed the importance of addressing barriers that hinder women from entering Parliament.
Impact of Social Media
With the growth of social media, the process of candidate selection has become more public, making it challenging for aspiring politicians.
- Candidates are now required to have a strong online presence, exposing them to public scrutiny from the early stages of their campaign.
- This heightened visibility on social media platforms has made the process more challenging, especially for individuals who are not accustomed to being in the public eye.
Support for Women Candidates
The Westminster Foundation for Democracy recently held a conference on selection processes for women in political parties, aiming to better support women candidates entering public life.
- Both Elliott and Miller, who sit on the board of the organization, highlighted the need for parties to provide support and guidance to women candidates.
Personal Impact and Safety Concerns
Women candidates often face targeted attacks on social media, including personal threats and highly sexualized content, which can have a significant impact on their personal and professional lives.
- These attacks can also extend to the safety of their families and staff, creating additional challenges for women in politics.
Encouraging Female Participation
Efforts are being made across party lines to encourage more women to stand for election and create a welcoming environment for women in Parliament.
- Currently, there are 226 female MPs in Parliament, representing various political parties.
- Parties and Parliament itself are working towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in politics.
