Sexism, Patriarchy, and Women in Politics

Women have traditionally faced barriers to full political equality, and many of these barriers sadly still exist and prevent women's full realization in the political sphere. I firmly believe that patriarchy and sexism need to be challenged and overcome and the political oppression of women needs to be ended. I also support gender parity in all elected forums. Politics is often seen as a man's game, and that conception needs to be changed. Keep in mind that women were legally barred form voting until 1918 (though certain groups, including some women, were still barred from voting until much later). In Quebec elections, women didn't have the right to vote until the 1940s. After all, women weren't considered 'persons' until the 1930s.

Let's take a look at some of the sexist comments that female politicians have faced in the past. I post this for people to get a good look at what our female politicians face in their daily lives. We certainly wouldn't tolerate this systemic abuse in our workplaces, and it certainly shouldn't be tolerate in legislatures across Canada.

When Agnes McPhail was first elected, a parliamentary employee blocked her way into the legislature, stating, "You can't go in there miss."

In the Ontario legislature in the early 1980s, Sheila Copps was suggested to go "back to the kitchen" following her persistent questioning of the government. Over the years, Copps would be referred to as "baby," "slut," "witch," and "a goddamn ignorant bitch' by her male counterparts. Members of the legislature routinely commented on her looks, weight, voice, and bra size.

BC MLA Judy Tyabji was denied custody of her three children because the (male) judge felt that her political ambition was incompatible with parenting. Meanwhile, few questioned a single Trudeau, father of three, governing the country.

In the Manitoba legislature in the early 1980s, a female member was told that she "deserved a slap." In the early 1990s, male MLAs in that province often made gun-shooting gestures to their female counterparts.

In 1984, Pat Carney, a single mother and MP, was told that the MP's family benefit wouldn't allow her to fly her young son to Ottawa to visit her. She refused to perform her duties until this was thankfully reversed.

During the NDPs reign in Ontario, many female members were mocked and had kisses blown at them by male members when they were speaking.

In spring 1998, Stockwell Day, a current federal minister and then acting premier of Alberta, stated "It's sometimes difficult to maintain a focus with all the chirping from the Spice Girls over there." As a backbencher, he accused Marie Liang of "browbeating" members of the assembly withe her "irresponsible" views on women's rights.

The all-time worst statement comes from Newfoundland Conservative John Crosbie. Speaking to Judy Rebick, he said "We can't have women representing themselves or the next thing you know we'll have to have the crippled and coloureds."

The notion of politics as a man's game needs to be ended. So does patriarchy, sexism, and oppression.