PANPACIFIC UNIVERSITY

CARL BALITA INSTITUTE OF HEALTH SCIENCE

SCHOOL OF NURSING

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: A Comprehensive Exploration of Women Discrimination in

Politics

PRESENTED BY:
Cacabelos, Karl Vincent B.
Valdez, Bea
Domingo, Alia
 Introduction:

Gender discrimination in politics, particularly against women, has persisted as a pervasive

and deeply rooted challenge across the globe. Despite significant strides towards gender
equality in various sectors, political spheres continue to grapple with systemic barriers that
hinder women's full and equal participation.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in political decision-making processes,

holding fewer positions of power compared to their male counterparts. This under
representation is often a result of discriminatory practices, stereotypes, and societal norms
that perpetuate the notion that political leadership is a domain primarily reserved for men.

Women in politics frequently face obstacles such as biased electoral systems, limited
access to resources and funding, as well as entrenched gender stereotypes that question their
competency and suitability for leadership roles. The existence of a 'glass ceiling' in politics is
evident, where women find it challenging to ascend to higher echelons of power, and those
who do often confront heightened scrutiny and gender-based criticism.

Moreover, women may encounter hostile environments, including sexism, harassment,

and misogyny, which can deter them from actively participating in political activities. The
pervasive nature of gender discrimination in politics not only stifles individual aspirations but
also deprives societies of diverse perspectives and potential solutions to complex issues.

Efforts to address women's discrimination in politics involve advocating for policy

changes, challenging societal attitudes, and promoting women's leadership through mentor
ship and support networks. While progress has been made in some regions, there is still much
work to be done to dismantle the structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality in
political arenas and to ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the policies and
decisions that impact their lives.

In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, the presence and active participation of women
have historically been marginalized, leading to a persistent gender imbalance within political
spheres. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as women discrimination in politics, is a
multifaceted issue rooted in deep-seated societal norms, historical prejudices, and
institutional barriers. Despite significant strides toward gender equality in various aspects of
life, political arenas continue to grapple with pervasive challenges that hinder women from
achieving equal representation and influence.

This five-page exploration aims to delve into the intricate layers of women discrimination
in politics, shedding light on the historical context, contemporary challenges, and potential
solutions. By understanding the nuances of this issue, we can pave the way for a more
inclusive and equitable political landscape.

I. Historical Context:
A. Early Struggles: Examining the historical backdrop of women's participation in
politics reveals a legacy of exclusion and resistance. From the suffragette movement to the
fight for voting rights, women have long battled against systemic barriers to enter the
political arena.
 B. Trailblazers and Barriers: Highlighting the achievements of trailblazing women in
politics juxtaposed with the persistent barriers they faced provides insight into the slow
progress of breaking the glass ceiling. From the first women elected to political office to
pioneers in leadership roles, their stories underscore the uphill battle against gender
discrimination.

II. Contemporary Challenges:

A. Underrepresentation: Presenting statistical data on the current state of women's
representation in politics globally, regionally, and nationally establishes the stark reality of
underrepresentation. Examining the root causes behind this disparity, including implicit
biases and cultural stereotypes, lays the groundwork for understanding contemporary
challenges.
B. Double Standards: Delving into the double standards faced by women in politics, such
as scrutiny of appearance, expectations of likability, and gendered language, unveils the
unique obstacles they encounter. Analyzing real-world examples illustrates the impact of
these double standards on women's political careers.

III. Institutional Barriers:

A. Electoral Systems: Investigating how different electoral systems may contribute to or
alleviate women discrimination in politics provides a nuanced perspective. Proportional
representation, quotas, and other mechanisms designed to address gender imbalances can be
explored for their effectiveness and potential implementation.
B. Organizational Culture: Examining the organizational culture within political
institutions and parties reveals entrenched biases that perpetuate discrimination. Analyzing
policies, practices, and the role of political parties in fostering inclusivity can provide insights
into dismantling systemic barriers.

IV. Global Perspectives:

A. Case Studies: Examining case studies from diverse regions and countries offers a
comparative analysis of efforts to address women discrimination in politics. Identifying
successful strategies and lessons learned can inform potential solutions on a global scale.
B. International Initiatives: Assessing the role of international organizations, treaties, and
initiatives in promoting gender equality in politics helps contextualize the global effort to
address this issue. Highlighting areas where collaboration can be enhanced strengthens the
argument for a unified approach.

V. Moving Forward:
A. Policy Recommendations: Proposing specific policy recommendations at local,
national, and international levels to address women discrimination in politics provides a
roadmap for change. From legislative reforms to educational initiatives, these
recommendations aim to dismantle existing barriers and foster a more inclusive political
environment.
B. Advocacy and Empowerment: Emphasizing the role of advocacy and empowerment in
creating lasting change encourages individuals and organizations to actively participate in
dismantling discriminatory practices. Promoting mentorship programs, leadership training,
and grassroots initiatives can contribute to a more equitable political landscape.

In conclusion, this exploration aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of women

discrimination in politics, acknowledging its historical roots, contemporary challenges,
institutional barriers, global perspectives, and potential pathways for progress. By addressing
these issues head-on, we can work towards a future where women are not only present in
political decision-making but are actively shaping the policies that govern our societies.

Gender discrimination in politics, particularly against women, has persisted as a pervasive

and deeply rooted challenge across the globe. Despite significant strides towards gender
equality in various sectors, political spheres continue to grapple with systemic barriers that
hinder women's full and equal participation.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in political decision-making processes,

holding fewer positions of power compared to their male counterparts. This under
representation is often a result of discriminatory practices, stereotypes, and societal norms
that perpetuate the notion that political leadership is a domain primarily reserved for men.

Women in politics frequently face obstacles such as biased electoral systems, limited
access to resources and funding, as well as entrenched gender stereotypes that question their
competency and suitability for leadership roles. The existence of a 'glass ceiling' in politics is
evident, where women find it challenging to ascend to higher echelons of power, and those
who do often confront heightened scrutiny and gender-based criticism.

Moreover, women may encounter hostile environments, including sexism, harassment,

and misogyny, which can deter them from actively participating in political activities. The
pervasive nature of gender discrimination in politics not only stifles individual aspirations but
also deprives societies of diverse perspectives and potential solutions to complex issues.

Efforts to address women's discrimination in politics involve advocating for policy

changes, challenging societal attitudes, and promoting women's leadership through mentor
ship and support networks. While progress has been made in some regions, there is still much
work to be done to dismantle the structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality in
political arenas and to ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the policies and
decisions that impact their lives.

Women are increasingly entering traditionally male-dominated occupations across the

world. Women are now role models who promote gender equality, rights, and respect. For
decades, women were restricted to secretarial roles in offices. Today, women have overcome
restrictions in the workplace and demonstrated their capacity to complete work-related duties
as successfully as their male colleagues. Despite workplace achievements, there is a large
gender discrepancy in senior management. Professionals are present (Davis & Maldonado,
2015; Newman, 2016). Current data show that women are underrepresented in top
management roles. Women in labor fields, such as law enforcement, are discouraged by
impediments and male peers who refuse to shift traditional ideas about female capabilities.
Cook Glass (2014a) described the glass ceiling as the unseen barriers that prevent women
from advancing in their respective careers. The glass ceiling is a societal phenomena that
prevents women in numerous organizations from reaching their full potential. Only a few
research revealed the difficult path that women traverse. Establishing leadership positions.
Yu (2018) looked on factors of shifting leadership in the workplace. Yu (2018) argues that
women's unrealized leadership potential has hindered organizational achievement over the
past 40 years. According to Bernard (2017), qualitative study identifies particular aspects that
influence women's positions in society. This study will explore the challenges women in law
enforcement experience in advancing to high positions in traditionally male-dominated areas.
The research used several tools, including DocuSign and Survey Monkey. Notifications were
issued to various men and women who are active or former members of law enforcement or
military. Traditionally, women have been expected to stay at home and care for their families
while men work to provide for their needs. A recent survey reveals that women are
increasingly leading in traditionally male-dominated top jobs. Breaking the mantle is not
simple, as multiple guys within the various companies, the traditional belief that women
cannot do the same tasks as men persists. This research tries to understand women hold
significant roles, particularly in the military and law enforcement. this study aims to better
understand stereotyped actions women's challenges and perceptions of leadership roles.

Discrimination against women has existed throughout human history. Bias and
discrimination against women have existed throughout history epochs. Women's rights are
the freedom and entitlement of women to human rights that are free of discrimination or
violations. Women's rights are inherent in nature and protected by legislation. According to
Francis (2012), discrimination and violence against women violate fundamental human
rights, equity, natural justice, and good governance.The slogan "Women's Rights are Human
Rights adopted by the World Human Rights Conference in In 1993, Vienna adopted the
Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The General Assembly in the
same year indicates the growing awareness and the attention is being made to the respect of
women's rights. Women's rights across the world are an key measure for understanding
global well-being. Despite several accomplishments, empowering women, several difficulties
still persist in all sectors of life, including cultural, political to economic. For example,
women frequently labor more than males yet are paid less. Discrimination affects women and
girls all their lives, and they are frequently the ones which experience the worst poverty
(Francis, 2012).

Political involvement is a voluntary activity in which individuals of a community share in

the direct or indirect choosing of rulers, as well as the formulation of public policy. Women
involvement in politics seems to be one of the major challenges facing international
democracies in Africa, and Nigeria in particular. Hague and Hagrop (2001) said that in 2000,
women up barely 14 per cent of the world’s lawmakers. This amount doubles the figure from
twenty-five years. Sooner but can still be a significant underrepresentation. Suffice to say that
women's representation in legislatures throughout the world, it is 15%. (Lorngurum 2010).
In Nigeria, almost half of the population consists of women. They distinguished
themselves in their chosen fields. According to Ojo (2011), women in politics comprise the
majority of the electorate and campaign mobilizers. Despite the important role of women in
Nigeria's growth before and after independence, including economic, social, and according to
Anifowose (2004), political power isn't worth much. In the words of Irabo (2011). However,
the marginalization of Nigerian women in politics and decision making is just as ancient. As
old as Nigerian society. It even precedes the arrival of colonialism in the South and Northern
Nigeria. Women and men participate in official and informal decision-making buildings
varies considerably between countries, but is often favored by males.Women's possibilities
are limited due to institutional, cultural, economic, and sociological constraints. Capabilities
enable participation in politics and decision-making.
Women's engagement in politics in Nigeria appears to be one of the major concerns.
Democracies across the world, including Nigeria. To support the aforementioned points,
Haque according to Harrop (2001), women continue to have fewer political resources than
males. Among males. Women's involvement in politics is frequently hampered by the
following reasons: The biological paradigm of patriarchy and the economic mode of
capitalism, marriage to specific sections of women are not permitted to engage in politics or
culture in several countries. Cultures ban women from participating in politics, and religious
considerations where women have some reservation, childbearing, and homemaking
obligations. Additionally, some women lack confidence needed to launch oneself into the
hurly-burly of formal male-led politics, many are still facing discrimination by sexist
masculine politicians (Gaeren and Burya, 2011).
The restoration of democracy has even introduced another crucial hurdle for women.
Participate in Nigeria's political process. A striking example was the general election in 2011.
That was taken over by men and their male-dominated political model (Daily Sun, 2011). It
was also stated that women participate in political structures and procedures where choices
Regarding the usage of social resources, the results remain negligible. Lorngurum (2010).
Reiterated that several attempts have been undertaken to address the gender gap in the
political
arena. The Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), and the Beijing Platform of Action, there were only twelve nations in which
women have thirty-three (33) percent or more seats in the parliaments (UNDP Reports,
2005). It is regrettable that Nigeria is not one of the twelve countries. Women's poor political
engagement is frequently cited as a measure of gender inequality. The 'percentage of seats
held by women in national parliament' was selected as one of the three indicators to monitor
progress towards the Millennium Development Goal 3 (MDG3) addresses gender equality
and women's empowerment.
In Nigeria, women are underrepresented not only in politics, but also in Decision-making
occurs in the private sector, villages, and civil society. At the locally, men often dominate
positions of power, including religious and traditional leaders, legislators, and village elders.
Ihonvbere (2000) said that these abnormalities have had a detrimental influence on the
progress of women's rights, notwithstanding several international norms and institutions
established to improve the cause of women. There is the need to investigate.

Discrimination against the women in modern civilization manifests in several ways. They are
reduced to inferior position not only in Nigeria, but in many
Other nations. Discriminatory the behaviors have serious ramifications for women's health
and the economy. Gender equity may operate as a viable tool for societal development.
Traditional socio-economic and cultural factors, including political frameworks enable
prejudice against women. Elimination of all types of prejudice against women and the girl
child are crucial. to help women reach their full potential accomplished in the regions under
consideration exclusively for guys, like as politics. Humans deserve freedom and equal
rights. According to Aung San Suu Kyi (quoted in UNDP Human Development Report.
2014)), humans throughout the world over, need freedom and security. help them attain their
greatest potential. Raising the Status of women via gender equality empowerment has
become crucial in the search for improvement in living standards and wellness of the mass
and by extension, transforming economies to a more stable one. Gender equality is critical to
a meaningful national development.

Gender encompasses a variety of differences between men and women, ranging from the
biological to social. It refers to. socially built and societal learned behaviors and expectations
connected with both females and males. (Parpart et al. 2000). All cultures interpret and
elaborate the biological. Difference between women and males become a set of societal
expectations about what are the habits and activities? What rights are appropriate? Women
have resources and power men possess. But like race, gender, race, and class are all a social
category that predominantly determines one's life prospects. It influences one's engagement
in society. Also in the economics. Therefore, the term gender refers to males. Women, for the
sake of this. The presentation of gender relates to the status of women in the setting of
African societies. In several ways development has an aspect of well-being. Nevertheless, it
was intended for everyone. Discrimination is an act or behavior of treating someone or
something specific groups in society are treated less equitably than others, maybe on the basis
of sex/gender, race, age, ethnicity, etc. Discrimination is unjustified. Negative conduct
toward individuals based on their group membership. Discriminatory conduct may includes
restriction of access to common products or demonstrate animosity against some people or a
group of people. It is a bad conduct intended against people due of membership in a certain
group. (Parpart et al., 2000:87).

The role of women in power related jobs is an issue that grabbed scholars’ attention in the
previous two decades. Theories such as the glass ceiling, gender affinity effect, and gender
mainstreaming aims to demonstrate how women in relevant roles are seen-by the people and
the media. Do others relate to female candidates, for example? Similarly, how do they relate
to male candidates? Drawing a history of equality regarding the gender problem, academics
and theorists have attempted to explain the current gender disparity. This review article
attempts to bring together the important factors in evaluating gender. Differences in politics:
history, the public, and the media, as outlined in the different works.
Twenty years ago, the glass ceiling was thought to be the reason for the stadiums men
had most positions of authority. The concept emphasizes the inability of women to rise on the
spectrum of vocations over what they already have, arguing that women do not lack ambition
or strong will; instead, they are prevented by achieving so by invisibility difficulties (Lorber,
1994). The glass ceiling is characterized as "those artificial barriers based. Attitudinal or
organizational prejudice that prevents eligible persons from rising. Advance in their company
to management level roles' (Martin, 1991. Lorber 1994, 227). Invisible and hard to conquer, it
is not just at the top of the pyramid, but especially in middle management, where minorities
are concerned. (People of color, those with impairments). Stereotypes and media serve as
artificial obstacles. Related concerns and informal borders. Two decades later, we want to
examine the evolution of the glass ceiling, seeking to acquire more insight into women and
positions of power highlighting the importance of women in current politics. To do this, we
will examine how the media portrays women who have positions of authority position.
Studies (Gidengil, 2003) show that the media plays a key role on reinforcing preconceptions
and establishing expectations for (female) applicants. Another problem. We believe that the
public's perception of the women have positions of authority. Aside from the media
influence, researchers (Doland Galligan 2007) believes that we should not reject the
significance of gender affinity effect - and we will explore the reasons for and against
employing this form of explanation. Scholars have not been particularly interested in the
question of gender difference in politics. Until the early 1980s (Griffiths 1999, 349). The role
of women in the domains related to power and prestige were only important to certain
historians, who emphasized that, on the
women were most frequently playing supporting roles in historical events. It was the
feminist! A movement that called attention to the need for scientists to investigate this topic
further. Therefore, feminist researchers (Jean Bethke Elshtain, Cynthia Enloe, and Judith
Lorber, to a few) set out to develop a new sort of paradigm, where detractors pointed out the
weaknesses in the state and politics that undercut gender equality in favor of males. The state,
political system, and positions of authority were all male. The glass the ceiling made it
difficult for women to attain and maintain their positions in the same way that males did.
Women required a different form of support than authors such as Hassim (2009) and
Lombardo and Meier (2006) had unexpected outcomes. The speech was
intended to help women to obtain the same level of prominence as males really made they
appear weak and untrustworthy. Maybe it was the gender role difficulties that prompted
authors look into this issue more, or perhaps it was a trend started by other social sciences;
However, the topic became crucial for the academics concerned with power and politics.If
politics, international affairs, and leadership were male-dominated fields, then women linked
with private, intimate spheres of life, such as family. Elshtein (1987) emphasizes the link
between women's roles in public and private. Stereotypes lead us to feel that there is no
viable manner of connecting the two spheres. The author demonstrates that the way men and
women perceive themselves has it has a direct impact on how men and women conduct in
politics, therefore is not simply a matter addressing the public, but also with one's own
understanding his or her role.
Discussion:

The Transition to Equality

Nowadays we face what seems to be a redistribution of power – public policies, strategic

planning, the public and the private all seem to adopt a common language concerning gender
equality, social equality, and equality of opportunity and so on. ‘United in diversity’ tells us
that men and women, people of all races should work together for a better world. But how
does that work empirically? Scholars such as Hassim (2009) or Lorber (1994) consider that
the formal egalitarianism speech did not have an effect on the redistribution of goods like
services or opportunities on the job market. This means that the redistribution of power is an
ideal grievance that is far from having empirical
consequences. The authors stipulate that the glass ceiling is formally broken by all the official
prerogatives or institutionalized norms that state the equality between genders. However, the
formal support and the new rules backfired. We have to take into consideration that by
encouraging women to enter the political arena and by facilitating the process in a normative
matter (special seats assigned to women, for example), we also draw into attention the fact
that women need support, ‘while men do not need training and information on the causes of
male domination in politics, its effects on women or the development of more gender-equal
attitudes’ (Lombardo & Meier, 2006, 161). In doing so, the masculine dimension of the
political world is emphasized. Without disregarding the benefits of political empowerment
and formal equality, there seems to be a problem ‘of institutional access to political voice,
and from political voice to policy outcomes’ (Hassim, 2009, 2). We will look later on into the
matter of cognitive dissonance and inconsistency of status – women that occupy positions of
power lack the ability to manage the new found role.
The modernization theory states that the economic growth enabled the expansion of
opportunities for women. As the market grew bigger, so did the need for more work power.
More and more jobs were available, and so women left the domestic environment for paid
work. Most likely, the increase of supply and demand on the market came with unforeseen
effects: the unions (syndicates) were not enough to represent the women’s rights, and so they
needed direct and substantive representation. At the same time, education, the formalization
of women’s rights and the fact that women could get paid for their work helped them achieve
that representation. Another factor that we should take into consideration is secularization - as
the religious control that favored gender inequality grew weaker, women’s roles in the public
and private spheres grew stronger. If the religious way was no longer thoroughly respected,
women were able to try to achieve same type of representation as men did. Another theory
stresses out that state intervention helped gender equality, because the state was
responsible for women to enter paid labor force. We should not overlook the conditions
imposed by communist countries, where gender equality was ideologically stipulated and
enforced (work obligation for women as for men) (Hassim, 2009). However, works – and the
opportunity to work – are not enough for the egalitarian speech to be implemented, because
people need more than promises and speeches – they also need a way to take advantage of
those opportunities and the means to secure their new gained advantages. It was the
liberalization of politics that helped women obtain positions in the
political decision-making. Starting with the 26th of August 1920, known as the day the
suffrage battle was won, women could vote (in New Zeeland, some parts of Britain, Norway,
Finland, women could vote since the last decades of 1800s. 26th of August is the day women
were granted suffrage in all US). Since then women desired and acquired political positions.
But we find ourselves asking how this process carries on and what is the role of gender in
taking hold of a relevant political position. ‘The important contributors to women’s high
parliamentary representation came from a combination of socioeconomic, cultural, and
institutional factors interacting with women’s mobilization and party activism’, states
Galligan (2007, 561).

Women and the Media

As we will see, media plays a significant part in portraying the image of female
candidates. The media influence is notable and we will analyze what kind of images it
generates. Studies regarding women in politics have revealed that female politicians are
unsatisfied with the way the media portrays them (Gidengil & Everitt, 2003). It appears that
media has an important role in presenting the woman politician by emphasizing the
appearance, therefore neglecting the more significant aspects, like the political agenda. This
is not the case where male candidates are concerned. One of the most relevant consequences
is that women are either perceived as sexual objects, either they are portrayed as belonging in
a more material, less intellectual world (cooking, not thinking). However, women have the
tendency to become more masculine in image and
speech, as to minimize the fact that they are women. We find this effect described as ‘talking
tough’ (Gidengil & Everitt, 2003). The study shows that there is a sex
differentiated way of perceiving the images of politicians, known as the “gendered
mediation”. Gender mediation, applied to media, points out that the male is the norm in news
frames, thus constructing politics in stereotypically masculine terms (Rakow & Kranich,
1991, apud Gidengil & Everitt, 2003). The consequences of gender mediation are
experienced in the way the behavior of women politicians is evaluated and analyzed by the
media. Authors consider politics to be a male norm because the stereotypes are constantly
reminded by the media, and so it creates the image that politics is not a place for women. Not
only that, but female politicians find it hard to send their message to the electorate. However,
being bold and assertive is not the way to go, either. If women are feminine they are weak
and untrusting, if they are too aggressive, they stir up negative reactions.

What About the Public? - The Gender Affinity Effect

Dolan (2007) studies the hypothesis that the female electorate will most likely vote for
female candidates. This is called “the gender affinity effect” (King and Matland 2003;
Sanbonmatsu 2002 apud. Dolan 2007). The author does not neglect the fact that there are
arguments supporting this statement, but she continues that focusing on the sex of the voter
can neglect the complexity of the gender issue. One of the first questions that comes to mind
is, if the female electorate will most likely vote for female candidates, the male electorate will
vote for male candidates? The studies of an affinity effect should take into consideration, first
of all, if people are willing to vote for female candidates. Dolan introduces two measures of
reactions to candidates: information and candidate affect scores (Dolan, 2007, 79). The
feelings of group solidarity represent the first reason why we should start considering that
women might vote for women. Secondly, the female electorate may look for descriptive
representation. Gender identity is the third reason identified by Dolan. Last, but not least, the
decision to vote for a woman could be based on ‘the interaction of sex and a set of ideological
or partisan sympathies’ (Dolan, 2007, 80). We should also take into consideration the
possibility that the ethnicity, age or political party could be as relevant as gender.
Conclusion:

The exploration into women discrimination in politics reveals a challenging landscape

marked by historical biases, contemporary hurdles, and institutional barriers. The
metaphorical glass ceiling, which has long cast a shadow over the aspirations of women in
politics, remains a formidable barrier to their equal representation and influence. As we
conclude this comprehensive exploration, it is imperative to reflect on the insights gained and
consider the pathways forward to shatter this glass ceiling and foster a more inclusive
political environment.

I. Acknowledging Historical Struggles:

The historical context illuminates the struggles faced by women in their quest for political
representation. From the suffragette movements to the fight for voting rights, women have
been steadfast in challenging systemic barriers. Acknowledging and understanding these
historical struggles is crucial in recognizing the persistence of gender-based discrimination in
contemporary politics.

II. Confronting Contemporary Challenges:

Contemporary challenges, such as underrepresentation and double standards, persist as

formidable obstacles for women in politics. The disparities in political representation globally
demand our attention, prompting us to address the root causes, including implicit biases and
cultural stereotypes. As we confront these challenges head-on, it becomes evident that the
journey towards gender equality in politics requires a collective commitment to dismantling
ingrained discriminatory practices.

III. Dismantling Institutional Barriers:

Institutional barriers, deeply ingrained in electoral systems and organizational cultures,

contribute significantly to the glass ceiling effect. Evaluating and reforming electoral systems
and challenging biased organizational cultures are essential steps in dismantling these
barriers. Implementing policies that actively promote gender equality and inclusivity within
political institutions is a critical aspect of leveling the playing field for women.

IV. Embracing Global Perspectives:

Global perspectives provide valuable insights into successful strategies and challenges
faced by nations in addressing women discrimination in politics. By learning from diverse
experiences and understanding cultural nuances, we can collectively enrich our approach to
breaking the glass ceiling on a global scale. International collaboration and shared best
practices are pivotal in creating a supportive framework for women in politics.

V. Paving the Way Forward:

As we look to the future, the proposed policy recommendations and the emphasis on
advocacy and empowerment provide a roadmap for change. Legislative reforms, mentorship
programs, leadership training, and grassroots initiatives collectively constitute a multifaceted
approach to pave the way forward. It is through a combination of systemic changes and
cultural shifts that we can envision a political landscape where women not only participate
but thrive, contributing their unique perspectives to shape the policies of our societies.

In conclusion, breaking the glass ceiling in politics requires a concerted effort from
individuals, institutions, and societies at large. This comprehensive exploration serves as a
call to action, urging us to collectively dismantle discriminatory practices, challenge deeply
rooted biases, and create an environment where women can rise to leadership roles
unencumbered by the limitations of the past. By shattering the glass ceiling, we embrace the
potential for a political future where diversity, equity, and inclusivity are not only valued but
embedded in the very fabric of our democratic systems.
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