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Sexism and politics: General elections should not be beauty pageants
Whether it is their looks, their age or their race, women in politics are judged unfairly, and it is Singapore that suffers.
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Once a woman enters the political spotlight, her appearance becomes public property.
ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Stefanie Yuen Thio
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Don’t be too young. Don’t be too old. Don’t be unattractive – but don’t be too attractive either.
This is the impossible balancing act women in politics are expected to perform: While their male counterparts are assessed largely on policy and performance, female candidates have to fight a parallel campaign involving their age, looks, marital status and wardrobe, often eclipsing their political positions.
