Women in Political Affairs

This month has witnessed an influx of women reaching positions of great political influence. Just recently Japan has passed a bill to allow women to ascend from Parliament to the Throne, Michelle Bachelet has been elected Chile's first female president, and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has been sworn-in not only as Liberia's first female president, but also as Africa's first elected female leader. While these firsts may be very exciting, what is of more import is whether or not these women will be known for more than their gender and prove themselves--not only through an upright character, but also effective leadership--well-suited for such critical posts within their respective countries and spheres of influence. In the long term, this is much more profound and meaningful for gender equality.


In other news, Bolivia's President-elect, Evo Morales--to not discriminate against majority demographics--promised to scrap the Ministry for Women along with the Ministry for Indigenous Affairs, assuring Bolivians both women and indigenous persons would be included in his cabinet.