The most necessary task is that women should have political
independence.
Reasons for the lack of women's participation in politics up to now are
¨ç the prejudice under the patriarchal society
that politics is men's domain;
¨è little understanding of women politicians;
¨é the election system that is disadvantageous
to women; and
¨ê wrong political socialization of women.
There could be various plans so as to establish women's political independence.
It is important for women to accumulate professional ability and experiences
in politics
through political training which women's organizations and political parties
carry out,
and to build up their supporting bases by actively joining a political
party.
At the same time, it is necessary to enhance education of political consciousness
for women voters. Women voters make themselves realize their power as
voters through
civil movements and political education.
Women voters make it clear their opinions, interests and concerns,
endow their leaders with representative power, and reflect the three in
the
decision-making process. If women participate in politics, such issues
which have been overlooked as education, welfare, environment, quality
life, sexual violence can become outstanding as significant political
issues. Women voters display and accumulate their power through political
participation, mainly voting. They can become election campaigners and
volunteers. However, the ultimate role of women voters is to vote for
the candidates who
speak for women and against those who don't work for women. By voting
for those who are interested in women's issues, women voters can increase
their political power.
In order to develop politics, above all, elections should be open and
fair. For fair and open elections, they should be observed and monitored
by citizens. The realization of clean politics
can be a strong means for activating women in politics. Thus, women voters
have to be continually interested in politics and politicians, and to
watch them whether or not they
keep the election pledges well. Also, by supporting women candidates,
women voters help them to use their leadership more effectively to deal
with women's issues.
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