June 2024’s European Parliament elections saw the first decline in women MEPs since 1979.
Katrien Van den broeck, author of Confronting the 10 Traps of Power: A Survival Guide for Women in Politics, argues that women face structural and cultural traps that hinder continued success.
We asked participants at the Alliance Of Her 10th Anniversary Summit which of the ten ‘traps’ most affects women in politics. Half chose perfectionism and insecurity, followed by isolation and clinging to power (both 16.7%).
Here’s what they told us…
1. We are our harshest critics
“Women often believe it's all or nothing. You’re either flawless or a failure. But our worst critic is really ourselves. You can spend time revising something again and again seeking ‘perfection.’ Meanwhile, some men go on TV and confidently say complete nonsense. We have to stop thinking ‘good’ isn’t enough.”
- Elena, Italy
2. Sisterhood deficit
“Women have difficulties getting support when they enter into politics. I started from zero. We need to work on building and improving sisterhood. If women would support each other more, we could make a difference. This is why we still have more men than women in politics.”
- Melissa, Belgium
3. Practice rejection
“Get into situations where you expect to be rejected. You’ll soon get places you wouldn’t have expected to. You never have anything to lose by trying. But you will lose by not trying."
- Dara, Hungary
4. Beware of isolation
“The higher you go, the more pressure. And the more tempting it is to retreat into a safe circle with people who support you. But that creates distance and tunnel vision. Look at it like exercise. Set time aside to get out of your comfort zone and meet different people. Not only people who are in higher positions, but also younger voices, ordinary citizens and people with different viewpoints.”
- Violetta, Ukraine
5. Break the script
“It’s how girls are raised. We need education that helps us deconstruct traditional gender roles early. I had an amazing teacher who helped us rethink everything about what a man and a woman should be. It completely changed my perspective and how I see myself.”
- Arabela, Romania
Liked this interview? In our new special edition of the Liberal Bulletin marking the 10th Anniversary of the Alliance Of Her, there’s even more exclusive content with the liberal women making a difference.
Read more from the Liberal Bulletin here.