An Era Of ‘token’ Women In N.z. Politics (Press, 22 February 1977)

In an article published on 22 February 1977, Marilyn Waring, a member of Parliament for Raglan, discusses the important but often overlooked role of women in New Zealand politics. Waring begins by asserting that politics is a collective responsibility, not just the domain of those who dedicate all their time to it, encouraging everyone to engage in the political process at various levels, from voting to seeking public office. The piece highlights the historical presence of women in political activities, noting that since the establishment of the National Council of Women in Christchurch in 1896, women have sought to assert their voices in societal decision-making. Despite their involvement, women remain significantly underrepresented in official capacities. Waring cites research indicating that out of 102 statutory boards, only 210 members are women compared to 827 men, and that just 18 boards have equal female representation. Discrepancies are visible in educational institutions and legal roles, where female participation rates are disproportionately low. Waring points out that the underrepresentation of women is not always a result of explicit exclusion but often stems from ingrained societal norms that overlook women’s qualifications for important political roles. She notes the substantial disparity in success rates for women in local government elections, with only 11.9 percent of borough positions and a mere 1.7 percent in counties occupied by women following the 1974 elections. This situation is contrasted with historic instances, such as Mrs Elizabeth Yeates, who became New Zealand's first woman mayor in the 1890s. Despite the low numbers, Waring mentions an increase in female candidates and their success, particularly in certain local body elections, suggesting a potentially positive trend. However, the broader societal attitudes towards women in leadership roles reveal underlying biases; women face a significant burden when balancing public office with traditional expectations of motherhood, leading to societal scrutiny that their male counterparts do not experience. Waring calls for a necessary shift in these social attitudes, advocating for increased representation of women in political roles and encouraging them to embrace ambitions for public office. She suggests that change will come through education and greater participation in political processes. The article concludes with an appeal for governments to fully utilise the skills of all citizens, regardless of gender, stating that true equality in politics will require commitment and sacrifice from women. Waring signifies that only through proactive engagement and the encouragement of women to pursue leadership can the political landscape in New Zealand reflect a more balanced and inclusive society. The topic of women's roles in decision-making is set to be discussed further at the upcoming United Women's Convention in Christchurch in June.

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