Two councillors from opposite ends of the political spectrum are forming an alliance – to encourage more women into local politics.
While Tory Sue Arnold and Labour’s Sue Woodward find themselves facing one another in Lichfield District Council’s chamber, they will be casting their differences aside to promote International Women’s Day on Thursday (March 8).
And to prove a point they dressed in the opposing colours of their political affiliation.
“We want local people to come into politics, regardless of their affiliation,” said Cllr Woodward, who represents the Chase Terrace ward.
International Women’s Day is in its 37th year and encourages governments, organisations, charities and women’s groups around the world to adopt a different annual theme that reflects global and local gender issues. This year it’s empowering local women.
“We are taking on board the mantra of International Women’s Day that by effectively increasing the impact of women on public life at all levels, the potential for change towards gender equality and empowerment of women and a more democratic and just society is increased,” added Mease & Tame representative Cllr Arnold.
In Lichfield almost a third of the 56 members on the local authority are women.
“Although more than half the population of the UK is female – much less than half are in a position of responsibility in public life,” added Cllr Woodward.
The two women, who both won seats in the district council elections of 2011, do like to sit together when they sit on the same committees.
“We may be from different sides of political divide, but we hit it off instantly,” added Cllr Arnold.
Cllr Woodward added: “Local politics is on the majority of occasions agreement regardless of which party you belong to – and it is about putting what’s best for local communities above all else.”
Great to see a few on LDC fighting for social equality.
I feel the issue of equality needs expanding upon regarding local governments – i wish to make clear that this is not an attack upon LDC – but more being critical of Democracy and society as a whole – but LDC is a reasonably good example that is ideal for ‘illumintaion’ purposes.
Lichfield District Council does have a comparitively high number of female councillors – although when worded as two “thirds male” – the Patriarchy present is quite clear.
The word “patriarchy” comes from the Greek and Italian for father (Pater) and “Archy” meaning government or Leader.
It is a great shame that (like many other councils and governments) LDC does not only suffer Patriarchy.
LDC also suffers from being a Plutocracy – this is where the wealthy tend to rule. This is probably because the wealthier have the time and lower stress levels to take on such a position – and also the finances and connections to promote themselves.
Many Plutocratics will say that as they are successful businessman, they probably know what’s best for you. Many empty shops and industrial units say otherwise.
Some people will claim that the Plutocrats are in it for their own interests.
Many councils also suffer from Geriarchy – which is rule by the elderly – of course retired people have more time for such matters. Although do not take it so literally meaning pensioners – I expect most councillors are 40+ and many in their 50s and 60s.
The biggest problem with Geriarchys is Social Change – it usually comes from the more youthful – and those in power, set in their ways often do anything they can to the preserve status quo.
It will be interesting to see if the Patriarchy within LDC can be beaten – which is unlikely – as it would be against the Upbringing of the geriarchs, and against the Interests of the Plutocrats.
Society can be grouped into all sorts of pigeon holes – But the Rulers will most often be Rich, Male and past mid 30s.
The best solution is to have no rulers.
Two strong women – both good role models for women wanting to serve their community – as elected representatives. Actually good role models for men as well!
Steve Norman
Married, I confess, to one of the Sue’s.