The world has recently witnessed a boom in “female presidents”. Recent events have proven this. After Angela Merkel became Chancellor of Germany and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was elected as the first female president in Africa, it was Chile’s turn to choose a woman as head of state. With 53.5% of the vote, Michelle Bachelet became, on Sunday January 15, the first woman to lead Chilean power. Not to forget in Finland, where President Tarja Halonen seems well-placed to be re-elected on January 29. In Nice, well-known women have spoken out on this issue. Whether they are deputy mayors, judges, or artists, each one has her own opinion.
“This rise of women in power reflects a certain evolution of society on a global scale. It’s a question of generations. Attitudes are changing. More and more, it is seen that politics is not reserved only for men.” The deputy mayor, Dominique Estrosi, is convinced: the access of women to authority is a good thing for democracy. Considering this trend as “charming,” she still wants to make a nuance: “If a woman becomes president, it must be because of her skills and not just to balance the male/female ratio. If they reach the top, it’s because they have managed to demonstrate what they are capable of doing.”
The same reaction for the Vice-President of the Palace of Justice of Nice, Ms. Alliot-Thienot. As a citizen, this judge rejoices at the victory of women in elections. “Votes are in favor of change. The cause of parity is advancing. But we should not focus only on this point. The most important thing is to see that women have the necessary qualities to lead a country.”
Everything comes to those who wait
But from theory to practice the path is long. Such is the case in France where everything remains to be done. Never has a woman been the president of the French Republic. Despite this, the vice-president sees no serious obstacle that would prevent this possibility. “It should be considered. It’s not impossible.”
A view shared by the Director of the association of mayors of Alpes-Maritimes, Lydie Casara. According to her, “the facts are clear: they are in considerably smaller proportion than men. But there are Frenchwomen who have great skills. And that’s promising for the future!”
Noëlle Perna, a prominent comedian from Nice, takes a more fiery look at the situation. “Despite what is said, women are less present in power than men. It’s a pity! By nature practical, they are generally more concrete and more on the social field because they are closer to reality. Perhaps it is because they give life? No matter, I find that they are less subject to the concept of power. There is therefore less chance that they are under its influence. The fact that they are starting to access the position of head of state is therefore a good thing.” Very enthusiastic about this question, she adds: “It leaves a chance to open a new path. With their sensitivity, they will have an original way of perceiving problems.”
Social measures, employment, inter-state relations, … So many challenges they have to face just as men do. With Michèle Alliot-Marie as Minister of Defense, and Nelly Olin as Minister of Ecology, France demonstrates its ability to accept women in high positions. So why not consider a woman as head of state? Without refuting it, Lydie Casara, however, expresses a hint of skepticism: “It is not always easy for women to evolve in this environment still predominantly male. They face sociological and cultural handicaps. Subconsciously, perhaps the voter believes that the man embodies security. Irrational behavior to my taste. This would mean that the realm of feelings still takes up a lot of space for the voter.”
More optimistic, Noëlle Perna concludes: “I am sure that our country will have a woman as president. In any case, I have high hopes. I would look favorably on a female candidate in the election, whatever her orientations because she will surely have a new way of leading.”
The year 2007 will be the ideal opportunity to verify this. Two names emerge in the list of supposed presidential candidates: Ségolène Royal and Michèle Alliot-Marie.
A doubt remains: Is this feminization of power a conjunction of circumstances, a passing trend or a real phenomenon on its way to spreading definitively?
The future will tell us!
Barbara D
