The Politics of Representation: Change-making Beyond Tokenism

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Regarding women's representation, it is crucial to acknowledge that there are still significant gender disparities in many fields and contexts worldwide. Women are underrepresented in positions of power, including in parliament, the corporate world, and other leadership roles (even though we met some amazing women who have a role in each of the fields mentioned). Women's representation is not only about having women in the room, but also about ensuring that they have a voice and can influence decisions.

In terms of representation, there can be two types: "portrait" representation, which is simply having women present in a group, and "proxy" representation, where women have real power and influence. Unfortunately, in many contexts, women are present only in portrait representation, without real decision-making power or influence.

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During my time in this trip, I have learned that listening to women's voices and experiences is essential in improving their representation and ensuring they have a say in decision-making processes. It is crucial to address the systemic barriers that women face, such as gender bias and discrimination, lack of support for work-life balance, and limited access to education and resources.

One lesson that can be applied to improve women's presence and voice is to create an environment that is inclusive of diverse perspectives and encourages collaboration. This could involve promoting policies and practices that foster gender equality and diversity, including mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and diversity and inclusion within the workforce.

 

In summary, it is crucial to recognize the importance of both portrait and proxy representation of women and to create an environment that values and encourages diverse perspectives and collaboration. By listening to women's voices and addressing systemic barriers, we can work towards achieving greater gender equality and representation in all fields and contexts.