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LCHR applauds Kristof’s column, “When Women Rule”
In his recent New York Times editorial, Nicholas Kristof draws attention to the contribution of women to governance throughout history and the significant barriers they still face.
Women are the linchpins of society, yet no single group suffers more persecution, is more likely to endure poverty and violence, or to face starvation than women. In numerous countries around the globe, women are effectively reduced to second-class citizenship. They are denied the right to participate in government, operate businesses, and sometimes even such basic freedoms as leaving the house without a male escort and driving a car.
Kristof draws attention to the fact that, contrary to popular opinion, it is not just in the developing world that women face barriers to equality. The ‘Goldberg Paradigm’ is a common experiment showing that people in countries around the globe will rate an identical article or speech more highly if they’re told it was written by a man than if they believe it to have been written by a woman. While self promotion and outward ambition can help men to get ahead, they are seen as distasteful qualities in women. Women face a daily struggle to balance appearing competent on the one hand and likeable on the other, not to mention outwardly attractive.
All this is despite the fact that research by political psychologists has shown that women exceed men in coalition-building skills, and there is no shortage of historical evidence that women are more than capable of excelling in government. “The world has several thousand years’ worth of experience with female leaders,” says Kristof. “And I have to acknowledge it: Their historical record puts men’s to shame.”
Disregarding women in this manner has implications for the entire human race, not just the female half. Women, in their role as the primary caregivers and providers for their children, have personal investments in securing peace and stability. In the words of LCHR President Kathryn Cameron Porter, “Men are interested in the continuity of governments, while women are interested in the continuity of generations.”
Foreign policy, development, and the vital task of winning hearts and minds will always be limited in their success if women continue to be discriminated against and ignored. Women’s participation in all aspects of civil affairs is vital to creating flourishing civilizations.
To read Kristof’s article, click here.
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