Gender politics are devaluing women

THE article (Western Mail, October 4) which proposed increasing the number of women in public or commercial office by imposing all-female shortlists, presents a very worrying concept.

As a political activist and a female, I find it profoundly undemocratic, demeaning and dictatorial to be told that I am unable to select candidates on the basis of their suitability for a post or candidacy.

I and others are not considered capable of forming an opinion based on the principles, commitment, ability, personality and electability of a candidate. Subvert our democratic right to select the best person to represent our party and you undermine the electorate’s opportunity to choose the representative they believe will serve them best.

Gender politics are a dangerous distraction from the struggle between capitalism and socialism, austerity and hope, colonialism and independence. They inhibit progress towards social goals that all sensible people, both men and women, want to achieve. Gender politics can be both grudging and divisive, like any philosophy that objectifies and demonises the archetypal “other”.

I want to see the most able person in a job and I would be reluctant to support any candidate who expected a free pass because of gender. One constituency I have heard of has a committee where all three principal officers are women and yet there was an attempt to create a Women’s Officer!

Just imagine the reaction if someone had suggested appointing a Men’s Officer. If gender politics are someone’s main concern, surely that person should be honest enough to join the Women’s Equality Party.

Would you appoint an architect, surgeon or engineer just on the basis of gender? Of course not.

There are so many inspiring and capable women. Don’t devalue their courage, hard work and intelligence by making gender a more important factor than these qualities.

K Robinson Twickenham