Women must look beyond affirmative action

After giving a talk on women in leadership recently, I was asked why elite women sell short women’s achievements, often focusing on trivialities. The other charge was why the strides women have made are reduced to the increment of women’s number in Parliament. And, why we fail to recognise that more women excel in other sectors and participate in development. It got me thinking. I realised while countless women make serious contributions everywhere, it is women’s contribution to public policy that has a greater multiplier effect for all. Unfortunately, it is also the main lens by which women’s progress is measured.

Women’s achievements in politics have been impressive although the quality of representation and impact on gender equity has become a big concern in some cycles. More women are countering male dominance, even though the number of county representation barely increased from the 7th to 8th Parliament. And, women’s issues are finding their way into the public domain like the just concluded African Union Summit in Kampala, even though implementation may be ineffective.

Generally, the NRM government, either motivated by its own vision or forced by the international gender agenda can be credited for women’s inclusion in politics through legislation, institutional reforms and policy measures like decentralisation and education for all. Little by little, more ground is being broken for women to influence the public policy agenda. But can we relax and celebrate women’s achievements oblivious to the challenges?

No, we can’t afford complacency. In fact, more action is needed to consolidate gains and address challenges faced by women in leadership. I remember my leadership experiences with nostalgia; the gossip, sacrifices, sheer malice and damaged reputation. Is it worth it?

There are exceptional women leaders who transcend these limitations. But majority buckle under pressure from greater expectations, voter hostility, little trust in their capabilities even by institutional establishments or fellow women, limited skills in governance, high moral standards, triple roles, and inexperience in managing success. These are compounded by cultural, social and economic challenges.

Sometimes government renegades on its promises for empowerment and use women for its own benefit or to keep up appearance. I have heard arguments that affirmative action exposes women politicians to undue loyalty, rendering them powerless. Consequently, it is too costly for women to play the politics of opposition, even for women’s interests. Those who exhibit independence of mind and/or exemplify effective political voice are fought tooth and nail, even if they have the eloquence of Beti Kamya, tenacity of Salamu Musumba, shrewdness of Anne Mugisha, and sharp intellect of Winnie Byanyima.

So, how can women’s leadership be more visible and valued? There is need to strengthen the women’s movement, civil society and relevant institutions that advance gender equity. Also critical is expanding the gains beyond the elite women leaders and those in boardrooms.

We must build a critical mass of women leaders in the policy making arena through training and apprenticeship. Women have to look beyond affirmative action, get their hands dirty and be everywhere. To achieve this, barriers which relegate women to second place must be broken. Government should demonstrate its commitment to women by eliminating the tokenism and patronage that underlie current involvement of women in public life. Only then shall women be truly liberated and participate effectively in all spheres.

Ms Maractho is a development economist
emaractho@ucu.ac.ug