Politics is not just a game of policies and strategies; it’s a narrative constructed by the media, influencing how we perceive the women who dare to step onto the political stage.

This International Women’s Day special highlights women in politics worldwide, unraveling media portrayals and their influence on women in politics. A firm contrast exists in media coverage between women in traditionally male-dominated fields like STEM and sports, where their challenges and discrimination are often highlighted. However, despite women in politics’s prominent visibility in the media and news outlets, female politicians are often overlooked in gender bias discussions.

Let’s start by tracing their evolution from the sidelines to positions of power and governance.

The year 1893 stands as a pivotal moment for women’s rights, particularly in suffrage. After years of tireless activism and advocacy in New Zealand, it led to the passage of groundbreaking legislation that forever altered the political landscape: the right for women to vote. The suffragists employed various tactics to advance their cause, including public lectures and petition drives. And so, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a prominent Sri Lankan politician who made history as the world’s first female Prime Minister in 1960. She was thrust into politics after the assassination of her husband, who was the former Prime Minister. Even after her final term as Prime Minister, she remained active in politics, serving as a senior stateswoman and advisor to her daughter, Chandrika Kumaratunga, who also served as Prime Minister and later on, President of Sri Lanka.

These are just a few examples of many other groundbreaking milestones in pursuing equality. The legacy of all these prominent figures in history serves as a reminder of the power of courage and unwavering commitment in the face of hardship.

Media representation influences public perception of women in politics. In TV shows or movies, women in politics are depicted in a narrow range of roles, such as the nurturing mother, the cold-hearted careerist, or the seductive temptress. These roles not only limit the diversity of roles available to women but also undermine their capabilities and qualifications in the political arena, perpetuating traditional gender roles and bias.

Moreover, media coverage often focuses disproportionately on these women’s physical appearance or emotional responses, diverting attention from their policy proposals. This emphasis on physical attributes implies that a woman’s worth is contingent on her looks instead of her intellect. As a result, women in politics are exposed to high levels of criticism when seen in the media such as newspapers or television. Stories about female politicians' fashion choices or marital status can overshadow their achievements and contribute to the stereotype that women are less serious in leadership.

Aside from perpetuating stereotypes, the low visibility of women in political spheres also results in a cycle of inequality. Studies have shown that women receive far less visibility compared to their male counterparts, with their achievements downplayed and mistakes highlighted. This imbalance skews public perception and affects women’s ability to gain support and recognition for their work.

The lack of representation in media coverage will also hurt aspiring female leaders. Seeing lesser role models in politics could instill doubts about their qualifications to succeed and discourage them from pursuing a career in government. This scarcity of visibility is harmful as it deprives society of diverse perspectives.

The ability to control and frame narratives is what makes media a powerful and influential tool when it comes to shaping the public's perception. Here are a few ways media exerts this control.

The first is through selection bias. Media outlets have the power to choose which stories to cover and which to ignore. Editors and journalists often cover stories that align with traditional gender roles to gain more reach on their platforms. By selecting which voices are heard and which perspectives to highlight, media outlets shape the narrative surrounding women in politics, reinforcing existing power dynamics.

Another way is through language and tone. The language used in media can subtly reinforce gender stereotypes. Describing women in politics with words such as “assertive” or “ambitious” carries negative connotations but is viewed positively when applied to men. (Known as ‘double standards’). Moreover, dismissive language may impact how female politicians are perceived.

These are just a few examples of why and how media holds the power to frame narratives to their liking.

If media organizations were to use their platforms to recognize and counteract gender biases in their reporting, it would be a huge first step in promoting gender equality in politics and society. If they portray women in politics in a positive and empowering light, the media can create role models and inspire future generations of female leaders.

As mentioned, there is an underrepresentation of women in politics in the media; imagine the benefits if these women received the recognition and representation they deserve. Seeing women in positions of power can inspire other women and girls to pursue similar paths and believe in their potential. Media outlets should highlight the inspiring qualities these women hold, such as decisiveness, empathy, and intelligence. If we focus on these qualities, the media could show that women are capable leaders.

When it comes to political debates, media coverage of women’s roles in these debates and discussions can influence public opinion about women’s competence for leadership roles. Positive and fair coverage emphasising their accomplishments and policy initiatives can boost public confidence in their leadership ability. Conversely, biased or negative coverage can reinforce stereotypes, casting doubts on their leadership. 

Why exactly is gender representation important when it comes to the political sphere?

It’s important to consider diverse perspectives and experiences when making decisions or policies. Without the right representation, some policies may neglect the needs or concerns of any gender group, leading to inequitable outcomes. This goes back to role modeling. When people see their gender occupying positions of power, it can inspire greater achievement and trust in the political process as these people understand their perspectives better and cater to them. The exclusion of women from political participation not only perpetuates systemic inequalities but also hampers the effectiveness of governance. Gender-balanced representation allows different viewpoints, ideas, and priorities to be brought to the table, leading to more inclusive policies.

To summarize, women in politics are often overlooked and undermined in today’s society, which is a huge issue that extends beyond the political arena and society as a whole. A first step to ensure women receive the recognition they deserve is through the media, as it is a powerful, influential tool that is easily accessible worldwide.