Women in Politics: Beyond Representation, Towards Real Change

Bright Future Democracy Project / Interview Harry van Bommel

Breaking Barriers: Women’s Role in Strengthening Democratic Governance”

Female participation in politics is no longer just about representation – it is about how societies debate, legislate, and drive change. Around the world, discussions on equal pay, parental leave, and workplace representation are now part of mainstream political conversations. Yet in most countries, true equality is still out of reach. To explore this issue, we spoke with Harry van Bommel, a Dutch politician with nearly twenty years in parliament as a member of the Socialist Party (SP). He focused on foreign affairs and human rights, and also participated in international election missions with the OSCE, giving him a wide perspective on political systems.

Progress and Fragility

Harry van Bommel notes that the Netherlands has made progress in women’s political representation but warns that these gains remain fragile. Without strong legal backing and cultural change, they could easily be lost. He recalls that when he first entered parliament, women were rare and it was unusual for a woman to chair a committee. Today, female MPs are a structural part of Dutch political life.
“Women bring different emphases into politics,” - he says, - “often prioritising education, healthcare, and human rights - topics that directly affect daily life. Their presence ensures these issues are taken seriously in decision-making.”
He adds that women also challenge the traditional pace and style of debate, asking questions about long-term societal impacts rather than short-term political gains. “It is not just about numbers; it is about how debates are shaped, how priorities are set, and how inclusive legislation becomes”.

The Role of Advocacy

Harry van Bommel credits persistent advocacy from feminists and women leaders for these changes. “We had feminists on the front line who demanded that the position of women be taken seriously. Their efforts made gender equality part of broader political debates in the Netherlands.”
He sees the changes as both structural and cultural. Women in leadership challenge old stereotypes, encourage younger generations, and ensure policies reflect the needs of everyone, not just half the population.

International Influence

International organisations also play a role in promoting gender equality. Harry van Bommel emphasizes that women’s rights are inseparable from human rights and stresses sharing successful examples globally. He believes that women in other countries, including Eastern Europe, will follow the Netherlands’ example and demand the same rights.

Challenges Remain

Despite progress, significant challenges persist. Issues such as equal pay, part-time work for men and women, and underrepresentation in certain fields, including the military, remain unresolved. Progress is uneven across political parties. For example, the orthodox Christian party SGP only recently allowed women in parliament due to legal pressure. Mr. van Bommel stresses the importance of legal protections, like equal pay laws, which ensure that even if society shifts, women’s hard-won rights remain intact.

Cultural Change is Key

Full gender equality is not just about laws – it’s about culture. Politics is still male-dominated, and women’s contributions are sometimes overlooked.
The Netherlands has yet to see a female prime minister. Harry van
Bommel contends that the potential for meaningful change exists, yet cultural norms and party structures frequently undervalue the pivotal role of women in leading and shaping this transformation.
Public pressure, civic involvement, and education are essential. “Equality will not be achieved while women in leadership are seen as exceptional rather than standard,” - he says.

A Strong Democracy Requires Equality

Ultimately, gender equality is essential for a strong democracy. Laws provide a foundation, but their true meaning comes from participation, culture, and dialogue. Rights must be claimed, defended, and exercised. The political voice of women is no exception.
We truly believe that Dutch democracy will only reach its full promise when women are fully represented at all levels - from parliament to the prime minister’s office.