The MDC course on “Women, Power, and Politics” definitely influenced and

reshaped my perspective on the prevalent gender dynamics in patriarchal society

and the idea of politics. Firstly, it introduced a broader sense of understanding
about politics, which looks beyond the formal political institutions and thus does
not describe politics as an arena but as a process that is present in every aspect of
our lives. It is an inherent part of collective existence because collective lives
require sharing resources as well as negotiating with power. Although traditionally,
the family has been excluded from political considerations and was regarded as a
private entity, modern feminists argue that issues such as family dynamics,
relationships, and power structures within households are inherently political. The
phrase “personal is political” popularized during the second wave of feminism
highlighted the importance, how subtly power dynamics operates in our daily
personal lives as well as prompted how gender influenced the distribution and
exercise of power in the society. Although, our world has witnessed significant
progress towards gender equality, yet the roots of patriarchal ideologies persist in
contemporary society, subtly undermining the roles of women both within the
family and in the political arena.

Traditional gender roles in families are imposed by patriarchal norms, assigning

predetermined duties based on outdated stereotypes. Despite the rise of women in
the workforce, a significant portion still bears domestic responsibilities, limiting
their personal and professional growth. Gender-based violence and discrimination
further highlight the prevalence of patriarchal structures within families, making
women vulnerable to abuse, coercion, and unequal power dynamics, hindering
their autonomy and ability to thrive in supportive environments.

In the political realm, women continue to face systemic challenges that impede
their full participation and influence. Gender bias, stereotypes, and ingrained
prejudices contribute to the underrepresentation of women in political offices and
decision-making bodies, thus preventing women from rising to leadership roles and
contributing to diverse policies. Patriarchy's influence also manifests in laws and
policies that fail to address gender-based issues, such as insufficient support for
maternity leave, affordable childcare, and measures against workplace
discrimination, which discourage women's progress and active involvement in
political life.

At the end, this course helped me understand the concept of intersectionality in

politics, emphasizing that women's experiences are not monolithic, which my
broadened my perspective. Women from diverse backgrounds, encompassing race,
ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation, face distinct challenges
that intersect with their gender. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these
factors has been pivotal in understanding of power dynamics and is crucial for
understanding how they shape political narratives.

To combat patriarchal society, it's essential to challenge ingrained attitudes and

dismantle structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality. This involves
fostering a cultural shift that values women's contributions both within and outside
the home. Initiatives like gender-sensitive education, workplace policies, and
political representation can help create a more inclusive, equitable society where
women are empowered to fulfill their roles.