The hidden outcome of the 2010 Federal Election is a sharp drop in the number of women in the House of Representatives to below 25 per cent.
Claire Braund, Executive Director Women on Boards, said there is likely to be just 36 women (24 per cent) in the House of Representatives compared with 41 women (28 per cent) in the last Parliament.
"This is a disappointing outcome that will have consequences for Government policies across all portfolios."
"Unless the Government looks like the society it seeks to govern, then there will be an imbalance in the decision making process."
There are two key reasons for the fall in the number of women:
• Nine of the 20 sitting members who did not seek re-election were women.
• The Liberal National Party (LNP) of Queensland that won back the most seats from Labor has just three female members out of 21.
"It was somewhat dispiriting to watch television on Saturday night and keep seeing seat after seat in Queensland where the winning LHP candidate was male."
"At 14.3 per cent women, the LNP is on par with the boards of ASX200 companies in the numbers of women in decision making roles."
"The two bright lights were Jane Prentice in Ryan and Women on Boards member, Therese Gambaro in Brisbane - whose seat is still not declared."
Ms Braund said the overwhelming male candidature of the LNP was something the party needed to address if it was to continue as a major force in Australian politics.
"In most cases people tend to vote for parties, not individuals, so it is important that parties exercise responsible leadership and actively encourage and support women to stand for pre-selection...and then ensure they select them in safe seats."
The fact that few women stand for pre-selection has more to do with the culture of political parties than it does with a lack of interest in politics on behalf of women."
Many men do not realise how difficult it can be for women to break into - and then feel comfortable in - a club of men whose interactions and by-plays have little resonance with their norms and behaviours," she said.
Ms Braund also noted that none of the 10 seats won by the Nationals and country independents were held by a woman.
"The National Party has been a poor performer in relation to gender diversity in its elected members, which is somewhat anomalous given the large proportion of smart, engaged, tertiary educated businesswomen living in rural Australia."
Women on Boards is a social enterprise to improve the gender balance on Australian company boards. Women on Boards brokers women into board roles, offers professional development and mentoring programs, hosts excellent events and ensures a high level of dynamic interaction across its large and influential network.
Comments
Post has no comments.