THE EDITOR, Sir:
GLOBAL SISTERHOOD - A work in progress (Dr. Glenda Simms, Nov. 16) is truly an understatement of the status of women in our various communities and reinforces the fact that despite the accomplishments of women over the last century, politics and government continue to reflect a "one woman syndrome" that dates back to a distant past. To change this we must plan an agenda for action.
Although this window dressing may be shocking and disturbing to our sensibilities, setting an agenda to reshape the political landscape comes only through a partnership with the media. This partnership is necessary because the media sets the agenda. They also shape opinions.
So while the issue is global, the answer is local. Hence, the example of Olivia 'Babsy' Grange as deputy leader representing the entire female presence in the upper echelons of the JLP party magnifies the lack of meaningful political participation by women in every sector of the Jamaican government. The same is true in the US Congress, where women although representing a larger voting bloc than men are under-represented vis--vis their actual percentage of the American population.
Yet it is not too late for redress on this issue. Consequently a 'red alert' to redirect women and their male supporters to the changing role of women and why we must be a part of the political mix is essential because issues such as of health care, education, housing, economic development and law and order are issues that affect the sexes equally and their energy and expertise must be maximised in both camps so that the society "moves forward" undivided in the 21st century.
With increased effort, moving forward is possible because women have the numbers and increasingly are seeking to educate themselves at paralleled level. Of course, that does not eliminate/eradicate the cultural attitudes that say politically, women are dumb. Such an idea must be debunked. But that happens only after women push for greater levels of participation.
Starting at bottom up, introduces political at equal levels with social studies in the primary/high schools; after which the key word becomes activity. Political activity includes: volunteering, becoming campaign managers, running for anything, including the dog catcher, working as political consultants; pollsters and last but not least, kingmakers.
NEVER OPENED AVENUES
When I lived in rural Jamaica many years ago, I was an active member of the 4-H Club. Although I was president of the Junior Club and represented my club at many events -- the emphasis outside of the Denbigh Show - was home economics. Great training for girls, but it never opened avenues for networking and political leadership.
Now our educational institutions have an opportunity to help in this regard. They can open a way for students to be involved in student government. Students at the high school level can run for offices that allow them to reach out to other students. In a non-threatening environment working with our peers politically is fun.
The political culture as I understand it see women as secondary forces -- backup. Therefore, ever so often a woman emerges in the likeness of a Rose Leon, Iris King, etc. They make a contribution but eventually leave the field with no coat-tails. Men understand the power and importance of coat-tails and use it to their advantage. Their policies are addressed even when they are out of office.
For women to help themselves and particularly in a culture where being assertive can be misinterpreted as aggressive, one must start at the bottom to quietly shape opinions. In addition, we must understand that a political system is an object to be explored and conquered. We either focus on what the system demands or the benefits that can be derived from the system.
When we have understood the basics, the one-woman syndrome will become a thing of the past. But it won't happen if women accept structures from a patriarchal society that bar access and full political participation through club house and machine politics. So increasing our numbers and moving to the top of the political ladder will only happen when we take charge - being visible, taking the time to give our points of view, using the media to its fullest extent. That means calling attention to our situation -- the need for proportional representation and reinventing ourselves, when we have to.
Forty years after his death a quote from President Kennedy is helpful "Things do not happen, they are made to happen. The "one woman presence" in the upper echelons of party leadership will not change unless as women we make it happen.
I am, etc.,
VERNA SMITH
bacowall@aol.com
Caribbean Roundtable
Brooklyn, New York
