Comments on: Woman @ EU top: let’s enter the 21st century now!

By: Maëlig

Maëlig — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:12:03 +0000

@ socialist : I’d tend to agree with you on choosing a candidate for his/her own qualities rather on certain characteristics such as nationality or gender. But unfortunately the problem is a bit more complex. If there are so few interesting female candidates for the presidency it’s not just by accident, but because women are still a minority in high-level politics. At some point you have to use positive discrimination to push an issue forward. Also, if all 4 EU top-jobs were held by men it would have a disastrous symbolic impact.

By: Eurosocialiste

Eurosocialiste — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:22:18 +0000

@ socialist, socialist? really? I seriously doubt you are, have you forgotten that the socialist parties are at the forefront of gender equality? or are we in a case of identity theft?

All the women mentioned in this article are excellent candidates, “convincing” and “inspiring” to unparaphrase you. I don’t see why you use the term “mediocre”, really… where did you get that from?

I’m tired of the kind of mediocre comment you just posted. To catch up on the debate, look at the comments on this page: http://www.social-europe.eu/2009/10/one-of-the-3-top-eu-jobs-must-be-held-by-a-woman/
It will enlighten you, I hope.

By: Fabienne

Fabienne — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:12:00 +0000

@Macarena: Indeed, as you truefully say: “The problem is most of the “ideal” women for these position are unknown for the general public whereas men are well know.”

@Socialist: According to what you say in your “catch 22″ comment (like there’s no way you will ever possibly change your mind on women and current politics… and the subject here is not men and their abilities to rule -we know that yes, they surely can, even though some/many of them are “unconvincing, uninspiring, faceless politician”s).
I guess you must be part of that general public Macarena mentioned above…

@Eurosocialist: Keep on writing those interesting articles that give a smart analysis on what’s happening behind the scene, such a pleasure to read you and learn more everyday about Europolitics!

By: socialist

socialist — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:05:27 +0000

As a matter of principle, I don’t see the point of sidelining excellent candidates (like Miliband) for the sake of mediocre ones who happen to be women. Women do not need ad hoc interventions to land such positions – Lagarde wasn’t appointed for being a woman, and Merkel wasn’t elected for being a woman.

Instead of a success for gender equality, I would find it distatesteful – partly for women, as it would be seen as their ‘triumph’ – if we stumbled into choosing an unconvincing, uninspiring, faceless politician at the top of the EU.

By: Eurosocialiste

Eurosocialiste — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:22:32 +0000

You’re right. For example, I have to admit I had no idea who Vaira Vike-Freiberga was although she has an amazing CV!
Thanks for sharing the exact quote with us! This will definitely become my quote of the week!

By: Macarena

Macarena — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:19:53 +0000

I do not know who can be the best candidate among women. Is there an “ideal” candidate? The problem is most of the “ideal” women for these position are unknown for the general public whereas men are well know. The promotional campaign on the men side supporting a woman should be major. A good example is the Jerzy Buzek on his speech to the members of the European Council on the appointment of their President: “As I heard a number of times, with my election we have symbolically shown the unity of our continent. Perhaps it is time for another symbolic decision. Let us take a look around us, how many women are present? Should we not …appoint a woman to this post? There are a number of suitable women candidates and I urge the Council to consider this”.