As we have seen in the past, female politicians often never get the respect they deserve or seek and are often simply judged on how they look and dress.
Recently, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek highlighted how women in politics often face sexist remarks and double standards on a regular basis.
Speaking at the Wanita Question Time forum last night (August 4), she pointed out that male politicians are not asked the same questions about their lives as their female counterparts.
“People always ask me, ‘As a busy minister, who takes care of your husband?’ ‘Who is taking care of the kids?’ ‘Who is getting them clothed?’ Male politicians never get asked this.”
The education minister said she is constantly faced with challenges at both party and ministry levels and had to deal with sexist comments from the general public as well.
She also stressed that this is why women politicians must have a supportive ecosystem to help combat the constant undermining that women leaders face about their ability.
“In the context of leadership and politics, it is crucial for us (women) to have allies, especially an ecosystem of women politicians who can be our comrades,” she added.
“If there is no such network, it becomes very challenging for us to navigate through life as a woman in politics.”
What do you think of her comments? Let us know in the comments section.
Also read: DSAI Called Out for Sexist Remark Against Form 6 Student Who Asked Him Intelligent Questions
