Harriet Harman on “depressing” male-dominated landscape of political podcasts

As a seasoned political observer with over four decades of witnessing the evolution of Parliament, I must say that the podcast landscape, unfortunately, harks back to the days when male politicians dominated the discourse. It’s as if we’ve skipped right past the 1997 election that brought in 100 women, and returned to a monochrome world of grey suits and testosterone-filled discussions.

Back in 1982, I was among the mere 20 women MPs, a stark contrast to the vibrant representation we now witness with over 200 female parliamentarians across parties. This diverse parliament has certainly brought a breath of fresh air, expanding the political discourse and making the Commons more inclusive. However, it’s disheartening to observe that even in the latest form of political dialogue – podcasts – an archaic men-only politics persists, which should have been left behind long ago. Regrettably, the hosts leading these podcasts are all men.

Podcasts should not serve as an additional platform for male politicians to speak over women, considering we’ve endured this dynamic for countless centuries. Let’s strive for a change and ensure that such a pattern is not perpetuated any further.

In times past, when the political landscape was predominantly male, women would cast their votes, yet it was the men who held the reins of power and shaped the decisions that impacted us all, including their own and ours as women. These decisions have significantly influenced our lives, but there remains a stark contrast between the experiences of men and women.

In everyday life, it’s predominantly women who shoulder the burden of family caregiving, whether it involves children or the elderly. Unfortunately, at work, women continue to earn less than men and face greater instances of discrimination. The political landscape has historically been dominated by males, shaping not only the appearance (many men in suits) and tone (lots of debates turning into shouting matches) but also what constitutes politics itself.

1982 marked my first Parliamentary query, which emphasized the scarcity of childcare services during school vacations. The strain on working mothers, integral to our public services and economy, was palpable as they struggled to ensure their children’s safety and entertainment throughout the lengthy summer breaks when schools were closed. This issue demanded attention, as children are statistically at higher risk for accidents, victimization, or delinquency during extended unsupervised periods. The financial burden of keeping them engaged during these times is substantial.

As a movie buff, I posed a query that was received with derision, echoing from every corner of the chamber. The topic at hand was supposed to be centered around mines and monetary policy, yet childcare was dismissed as merely a domestic matter for women to handle.

100 women made their way into Parliament during the 1997 election, marking a significant shift. They transformed the traditional male-dominated environment with vibrant attire and brought about changes in the political agenda. For instance, childcare became a matter of public concern, and domestic violence was redefined as a criminal justice issue instead of a personal matter between spouses. Moreover, women’s voices gained prominence, joining men’s in parliamentary discussions.

We eliminated all-male leadership positions in our government and prohibited male-only departments. At our gatherings, we forbade “manels” – panels consisting only of men. This way, women’s perspectives were given equal representation with those of men.

It came as quite a surprise to discover that all the political hosts on podcasts were men, but I was greatly relieved when Electoral Dysfunction, which features two female politicians – Ruth Davidson, former leader of the Scottish conservatives, and Labour’s Jess Phillips, along with Beth Rigby, Sky News’s political editor – debuted in March this year.

When Jess Phillips moved up from the backbenches to become a government minister, I eagerly seized the opportunity to work alongside Ruth and Beth in this new role. Instead of solely focusing on matters pertaining to women, we engage in discussions about a wide range of current political topics, including the economy and foreign policy.

Despite continuous efforts, women still need to force their way into the conversation – but we’ll keep pushing forward. It’s puzzling that, despite so many glass ceilings being shattered, male voices remain predominant in discussions. And for those who may be surprised, studies reveal that while women are often criticized for talking too much, they actually talk less than men on average.

Women are well-versed in topics like national debt, global warming, juggling work and family duties, and combating sexual violence. The male-dominated media landscape is a stark contrast to modern ideals. It’s high time for a change – for men to listen as women take the floor!

2024-09-16 18:36

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