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The need for representation of women in the Bahamas [5]
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
