Importance of women's political empowerement - Gurmai Zita

Importance of women's political empowerment
could nuance the image of women in general, but it would not be able to change the deeply
rooted stereotypes on women. Instead, having more progressive women in politics committed
to this new interpretation of the value of freedom could indeed be a catalyst for change. It
should not be forgotten that representing this set of values needs lots of courage. Being an
equal member of society means more individual responsibility and the loss of comfort of the
conservative way of being taken care of. This brings progressives to the challenge of
interpreting the value of solidarity.
FEPS as an actor for changing attitudes
The unfavourable effect of the current financial and economic crisis on various aspects of
women’s life has been in the centre of interest of women’s groups’ (political) debate. FEPS has
also taken an active role in this debate through its various initiatives. FEPS has offered place
for discussing practical steps against the measurable effects of the crisis, such as stagnating or
decreasing number of childcare facilities, women's unemployment, or their growing poverty. The
series of annual spring conferences organised with the support of the Fondation Jean Jaures
form an important part in assessment of the situation. Based on this assessment, it has been
also acknowledged, that the issue of women's political empowerment is ever more crucial in
crisis times. The workshop organised with the support of the CEE Network on Gender Issues
approached the topic from an activist point of view. However, the issues brought up in the
previous part of the article prove that activism which encourages more women to participate in
political decision-making must not only be fast, but also coherent in response in order to be
efficient. This coherence in action supposes coherence in the theoretical background as well as
common understanding of the shared values. Within FEPS a separate reflection on the longterm
effects of the crisis on the perception of gender roles was launched. This topic formed an
integral part of the discussions at the conference “Clara Zetkin could do it. So can we!”, at the
European Parliament on 28 February – 1 March 2011, as well as at “Restrengthening global
sisterhood”, the third transatlantic meeting on gender equality in Washington D.C. on 20-21
October 2011. The current crisis is indeed a chance for introducing a new vision for society, and
a new interpretation of gender roles within it. By linking reflection on progressive values and
value-driven action, FEPS is in privileged position to motivate this transformation and contribute
to it.
I'm convinced that the work of FEPS combining progressive thinking on gender roles, feminism,
women's rights and women's activism is essential and instrumental for preventing automatic
associations, like the one I quote in the beginning. So that women in politics will be free of the
image of being forever assistants.
More information: http://www.feps-europe.eu/
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