My lady, the President..

Tumie Modise | Monday May 19, 2014 13:41

Fact is, women will always struggle to make a mark in politics. Now before anyone crucifies me, I accept that yes, many women have made it in politics and even made it to the highest office in the land. The current Liberian president is one good example.

I became a political activist a little over five years ago, purely by chance. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t take politics lightly, to me, politics is serious business. I acquired a BDP membership card several years ago but only recently became active. It was only after I became actively involved in politics however, that I realised in earnest that women are just spectators in politics. Women make the numbers in politics; they far outnumber their male counterparts. Yet, men still call the shots and females are just mere cheerleaders! I am just telling it like it is.

I have also observed a strong hostility towards the women folk in politics. Politicians generally shun women who aspire to go beyond cheerleading; who dare to dream big and compete for political office. The numbers don’t lie, for the last 46 years or so, we have had only a handful of women in parliament, and even so, some of them had not won elections but had been co-opted into parliament through ‘special’ dispensations. But women don’t even seem to mind!

I experienced this grim reality just a year ago when a woman had stood against a man for one of the top posts in my party. Both candidates were credible candidates, but of course, there had to be just one winner. Now let me hasten to add that I have no intentions of stepping into anyone’s toes, but also state, for the record, that I will never apologise for my firm beliefs as well as my natural inclinations towards the sisterhood. It’s a foregone conclusion as to who I was supporting. The battle, if I can also add, had nothing to do with gender, the lady was equally fit for the role beyond any reasonable doubt. It’s my honest opinion. But what I had not bargained for, was to see women openly de-campaigning one of their own, in the process unashamedly even vilifying her! As I have already mentioned, majority of the voters were women. The gentleman won. I was disappointed, I still am.

I know I now risk ruffling a few feathers, but just in case I do, apologies are already in order. Being a political activist, I have also observed a few disturbing things that make politics an even hostile ground for women. While there are a lot of self respecting, God-fearing and honest men in political circles, there is sadly also this group of very disrespectful men in the political fold. Not only are some of them rude and arrogant, some of them are also shamelessly and incredibly petty. Gossiping is also their specialty. They are also the worst back stabbers you have ever come across! I could be wrong, but I think some of them occasionally also double up as part-time wizards.

Then sadly, there is also the issue of female activists in politics. Now, this is a general observation and it applies to ALL women in politics, not just in my party. Politicians, just like taxi drivers (if I may add), are ALL the same regardless of party affiliation. Most females, I am afraid, do not even understand why they are in politics. What’s even worse, they are the real reason why men continue to call the shots in politics. They are also the reason why some males disrespect females politicians. Most ladies, sadly, have relegated themselves to cheerleading and, for lack of a better word, just being groupies. This lot is, and I say this with respect, are just happy chanting slogans and getting free rides and drinks to rallies. Hold your fire; its no attack, just an honest observation. God is my witness.

Not all is gloom though. Before I scare anybody off for good; there are also good things in politics for women, and I am not talking choirs here. Personally, I have learnt and gained a lot in my short political stint. I am more confident and even more informed than I ever was. Somebody asked me again the other day; should females get into politics? Definitely yes. Do I enjoy politics? Not quite. Do I see myself ever standing for political office? Probably not. But still, something tells me that a woman shall be president of this country someday, and I have not ruled myself out as yet..