Is this a man's world?

Women presidents we may have had, but a female-dominated Dáil is something we would not dare to dream of. It is embedded in Ireland's political life that it is a male-dominated sphere, a job for the men, a man's world. It is presumed that it takes a "tough cookie" of a woman to deal with the testosterone-smothered world of politics. Phyllida Lloyd's recent film The Iron Lady on the life of Margaret Thatcher, the first and only female Prime Minister of the UK, further emphasises this thought. 

But perhaps a change is a-coming for our Emerald Isle. Last year 25 women were elected to the Dáil in February's General Election out of a total of 166 TDs. A pathetic number it may seem, but it constitutes 15% of the Irish government, the highest percentage ever achieved in Irish politics. The number of Independents voted into the government proved that people may be voting for the individual and their political cause as opposed to the party. This trend could easily influence the number of women voted into the Dáil. It may seem that, finally, the female voice is being listened to. 

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But it shouldn't have taken this long. It is more than ninety years since Irish women have paced the streets in a fight for suffrage and the civil right for an Irish woman to vote. With our 15% figure we rank a pathetic 22nd out of 27 of our EU neighbours, regarding our percentage of women TDs in government. We are a long run behind Sweden in the gender-equality race as they hold gold medal for 45% of their government being female representatives. The lowest, Malta, with only 8% of their government being female, can quite easily see the back of our Irish archaeic-minded running shoes.

Maybe 2012 looks like a more promising year for the fight to gender equality in the Dáil. Minister for Environment Phil Hogan published a Bill in December last, ensuring that women make up 30% of the candidates for the next general election. Parties will have to ensure 30% of their party is made up of women and failure to comply will result in a loss of State funding. An incentive to try, if nothing else. 

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Ms Kathleen Lynch TD has taken this opportunity to organise a conference in Dublin Castle this January, 20th entitled, "How To Elect More Women". The open day only requires registration and will consist of a few first-hand stories from women in politics, a key-note speaker and a few words from the round table.

Two reports, a bill and a conference later, there should surely be a solution to the problem. 

Political culture is difficult to change. This was evident in the pre-recession Irish passion in voting for political parties according to one's family traditions and historical context. A change in attitude is needed. Hopefully if there are more women presenting themselves as candidates, there will be more interest in listening to them and electing them. 

I sincerely hope that post-this January 20th there will be a change in Ireland's politics that can only move towards a more positive, gender-equalised political culture.