Women missing in politics

The Presidential election of 2024 has attracted a record number of candidates, representing all shades of political colour. This is most welcome since all major political parties will be getting a verdict on their performance at the ballot. Despite 39 candidates stepping forward, not a single woman stands among them. This glaring omission is not just a statistical anomaly, but a reflection of the deep-seated gender inequality entrenched in the country’s political framework.

The problem extends beyond the Presidential race. The number of female members in Parliament is strikingly low, ranking among the worst globally in terms of gender representation. Women make up half of the Sri Lankan population, yet they remain largely absent from the halls of power. This imbalance is a profound injustice, not only to the women of Sri Lanka but to the entire democratic process itself.

One of the most concerning aspects of this disparity is its impact on policy-making. In a male-dominated political sphere, critical issues affecting women are often viewed and legislated through a patriarchal lens. Female reproductive health, crimes targeting women, gender rights, and laws on inheritance and property are all addressed from a masculine perspective, frequently sidelining the voices and experiences of women.

Take, for instance, issues of reproductive health. Without adequate female representation, discussions around healthcare often neglect the nuanced, gender-specific challenges women face. Policies become skewed, lacking a holistic understanding of the real needs of women, resulting in inadequate support for maternal health, contraception, and reproductive rights. Sri Lanka remains regressive when it comes to abortion, still considered a crime rather than a choice of a woman concerning her health. Legislation on marital rape is non-existent holding on to centuries-old presumption that a woman gives consent to sexual activity for life at the time of marriage. 

These archaic legal presumptions apply to crimes against women as well. Sri Lanka has seen a rise in gender-based violence, yet the absence of female voices in Parliament means that these crimes are often underreported, under-legislated, and under-punished. Without women participating at the highest levels of decision-making, there is a disturbing lack of urgency and empathy in addressing these violations, allowing patriarchal attitudes to persist.

Inheritance and property laws, another area deeply rooted in traditional values, also bear the imprint of male-dominated legislative processes. In a country where property rights are often linked to social standing and economic independence, the inequities in inheritance laws leave women at a disadvantage, perpetuating cycles of economic dependency and reinforcing gender inequality.

This male-centric approach to lawmaking creates a distorted sense of normalcy, where the experiences and needs of women are constantly overlooked. It is not simply a question of token representation but a fundamental issue of inclusive governance. Women’s lived experiences offer unique insights into societal challenges and, when represented adequately, bring forth comprehensive solutions that benefit all citizens.

To address this disparity, Sri Lanka must consider reforms such as introducing gender quotas, creating supportive frameworks for female candidates, and fostering a political culture that welcomes diversity. More than ever, the country needs female voices in positions of power, advocating for the rights and interests of half its population. The struggle for female representation is not just a women’s issue; it is a national issue. When women are excluded from politics, democracy suffers.