More… “The Scent of Women in Parliaments,” IMERISSIA.
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More… “The Scent of Women in Parliaments,”
IMERISSIA. 16/11/03
Written by Anna Karamanou*
The scientific research of our National Center for Social Research on the perceptions and values of Greeks surprised many. We really did not expect such an image of ours to go around the world. A society of xenophobic, suspicious and cynical citizens who reject politics as a means of humanizing and progressing society and profess only loyalty to the army, the police and religion – sorry my Lady. However, for the residents of Jerusalem, in this case, for those of us who have been fighting the issues of women’s rights for years now, there was no surprise at all, only pain.
The research came and matched previous findings on racism and xenophobia (we recently witnessed the grandeur of Michaniona) and, of course, with the data that place our country at the bottom in terms of women’s participation in politics, not only among the 15 but among the 25 countries, unfortunately. We are, therefore, aware of our deep conservatism, our attachment to traditions, our inability to willingly embrace the new, the innovative, the different, including women in politics. For 2,500 years, the idea that “men are the city” continues to dominate our public life.
It is truly unbearable, after fifty years of recognition of the right to vote and be elected, and over 100 years of struggling for the right to vote, to continue fighting for what should be self-evident: that men and women should equally share all the responsibilities and obligations of both the private and public spheres, that the future cannot be planned without women, and that true democracy requires a balanced participation of both genders in all institutions and decision-making centers.
Unfortunately, here it is the Balkans. And even though we’ve been a member of the EU for 22 years, even though we joined the eurozone and the core of Europe, even though we had the best Presidency the Europeans have ever seen. As for economic achievements and international distinctions, there’s no shortage. But what about the female half of Greeks, who, while excelling in education and work, are almost invisible in politics? Maybe we need a Maastricht here too? Because, where words fail, logically, the law must prevail. The mandatory 1/3 quota on ballots for local elections – kudos to Vasso – doubled the number of women in regional and municipal councils and for the first time forced mayors, regional governors, and the electorate to discover the women in their area.
In light of the upcoming parliamentary elections, we are pleased that the PASOK team, with particular enthusiasm this time, is searching for and promoting women. And it is certain that they will be rewarded for this. Because a critical mass, e.g. one hundred women in Parliament, could drastically change the male-dominated political culture, renew public life, and enrich the political agenda with issues that would bring citizens closer to politics. Do we really need to say again that this issue is not just about the practical application of gender equality, but primarily about the development of the country and the modernization of society? So that we are not unpleasantly surprised by the social research of the National Center for Social Research (EKKE).
* MEP of PASOK