The need for representation of women in the Bahamas

Female voice in the Bahamas

"The need for representation of women in the Bahamas"
Whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, the lack of female representation in the Bahamian society is very evident. According to the 2010 census, women make up 51.6% of the population. Yet, women are treated as second class citizens in the Bahamas. They are some of the most important unsung leaders in society, running entire households when the male presence is not there and fostering growth and development in children. If we truly want to grow as a nation, we need more females sharing the same roles and responsibilities that men dominate. The current Bahamian system limits women to what they can do based on who are they and how well they fit into certain positions and roles. Thus, we need more women in representation because it helps balance the scales of power in politics, decrease gender bias, and empowers other women to break traditional barriers.

Women can help balance the scales of power in politics when they are put in positions of power, such as Prime Minister, Member of Parliament, and Senate. When they partake in designing and passing laws that affect people, they are more lenient and would look out for the best interest of people. Because women bring forth different issues that may be overseen or not talked about enough, they would also lead differently. Being a maternal figure to children tends to make women compassionate and empathetic to the needs of a person. In order for a country to thrive, politics need diversity. We need different opinions, backgrounds, and experiences to not waste the talents of half of the population.

In addition, more representation of women can also decrease the gender bias that exists between men and women. The fight for women's rights in 1962 has paved the way, but we are still far from where we need to be. It varies from getting less pay for the same or better qualifications of a man in a certain field to having too many children that some may not receive the help that is needed from social services. The first step in decreasing and hopefully getting rid of the gender bias is acknowledging that it is there. Without doing so, it makes all effort useless. Once it has been acknowledged, we can go about on finding ways to tackle it in areas such as making sure that there is equal pay for both genders in the same profession and creating an environment where each person is valued, respected and heard.

Also, the representation of women will empower other women to break traditional barriers. For many years, women were seen as not capable of doing tasks than men. Simply having women work in fields that are dominated by men ignites a passion for young women to achieve their potential and not to settle for less than what they deserve. But for that to happen, the opportunities and resources must be made available for them. For example, ensuring that access to education is at their fingertips. No matter how long it takes to reach their goal, women are stronger together than apart. As the next generation of young female doctors, lawyers, politicians, entrepreneurs and nurses rise, new boundaries will be tested. And as they cross over every milestone or hurdle in their way, they should empower women to keep moving toward their goal, because it will be worth it in the end.

In conclusion, the need for representation of women in the Bahamas introduces issues that need to be talked about. The need for the portrayal of women is just as important if not more. With the more female portrayal we have, we are stabilizing the scales of power in politics, lessening the bias between both genders, and raising up a new generation of ambitious goal-getters of young and old women. Women are an essential part of the development of a country, seeing that they make up more than 51% of the population. As a society, we will grow and develop better if we work together on ensuring that women get the respect and recognition that they deserve in every which way possible. To be able to this achieve this won't be an easy task. Furthermore, the idea of female depiction shouldn't be a "woman's situation"; but rather a local issue because it affects both women and men. No matter what your stance is on the need for representation of women is, one thing we can agree on is that it has major importance. Sometimes minor things can cause big outcomes.

Feedback is greatly appreciated and ways I can develop my points

... when there is no male presence ... development in of their children.
... more females taking the same roles ... that men tend to dominate.
... helps balance the scale of power ..., and empower other women to ...

... balance the scale of power ... of Parliament or Senate.
.., and experiences to not waste the talents of half of the population/from half of the population.

... where we should be.
... we can go about on finding ...

... of doing tasks as men.

Your essay is brilliant, I might say. There are only some minor mistakes I have highlighted for you. And some suggestions for expression :))
Good luck with your essay!

Mickey, your discussion is generalized in presentation. There is a lack of substantial evidence to support the claims you are making in this essay. There needs to be more reference to any successful women in the Bahamas that have already laid out the foundation for the additional need for female representation in the area. Try to develop a discussion that refers to notable Bahamian women whose participation in the female rights movement has already spurred a growth in terms of female representation. Explain how these women managed to change the system and why a continuing evolution of that participation can only be good for the improvement of that field. Right now, the essay seems to just be constantly harping on the same information in every paragraph. It does not progress due to the lack of discussion representation and expanded meaning of female participation in various fields. Open with a reference to a field where women are slowly making changes because of their participation and close with a reference to a notable acceptance of female participation in a different or the same field. That should help the essay become stronger in terms of hooking the attention of the reader.

When you say to make "reference to any successful women in the bahamas that have already laid out the foundation" which point should I include that in(Women balancing the scale of power in politics, decreasing gender bias or women empowerment)?

Also if you provide clarity on my lecturer's feedback:

"This is good. Your writing is clear and direct and your essay is well-structured. My only complaint is that you need to be clearer what you mean by 'representation' - does this mean more visibility of female role models? Does it mean affirmative hiring policies? Should we call out sexism when we see it?"

The examples of successful women will depend upon which sector of society you want to represent their participation in. You should be able to decide where the examples you provide can offer the most impact in your information presentation. If you can present a successful female contribution in every field that you mention then that would certainly raise the profile of the discussion and prove your point about the need for more female representation in your country.

You should try your best to provide insights into the topics that your professor provided because that will remove the sense of redundancy in your essay. Go for the discussion of various forms of representation in society. I am sure you will have more then enough information regarding those situations to help explain several forms of "representation" for the females in the Bahamas. Explain why fair hiring policies should be pushed by the government and women's rights groups. Explain why doing so will help to lower the rate of sexism in the country as well. If you improve the paper based on the suggested discussion topics of your professor, you will end up with a tremendously insightful research paper.