2024: No women in the presidential election campaign in Sri Lanka – time for change

Sirima Bandaranaike

Chandrika Kumaratunga

Sheikh Hasina

Jacinda Ardern

Encouraging independent women to enter politics would create a more inclusive political environment and inspire future generations to pursue political careers on their own. It would also help dismantle the deeply rooted patriarchal structures that currently dominate South Asian politics. By promoting policies that support women's education, leadership training, and equal access to political opportunities, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a more representative and progressive political landscape.

By Rasanga Kumarihamy

The 2024 presidential election is notable for the absence of female candidates, representing a significant setback in the fight for gender equality in Sri Lankan politics. Although South Asia has historically had influential female leaders, Sri Lanka's current political landscape does not feature women vying for the highest office. This absence underscores the deep-rooted challenges that continue to hinder women's full participation in politics, including the persistent influence of patriarchal structures and the reliance on dynastic routes for women's political advancement.

Do men have to die or be murdered for women to enter Sri Lankan politics?

In Sri Lanka, women often enter political office as a result of the death or murder of their male relatives. This trend is a significant aspect of Sri Lanka's political history and is also seen throughout South Asia, where dynastic politics often allows female leaders to rise to the limelight.

Sri Lanka made history in 1960 when Sirima Bandaranaike became the world's first female Prime Minister after the assassination of her husband SWRD Bandaranaike. Her daughter Chandrika Kumaratunga followed a similar path and entered politics after the assassination of her husband Vijaya Kumaratunga. This pattern is reflected in the political careers of many other Sri Lankan women. Srimani Athulathmudali, Sudarshani Fernandopulle and Vijayakala Maheswaran entered politics after the assassination of their husbands.

Mallika Ratwatte, Renuka Herath, Daya Sepali Senadheera (who was assassinated by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in 1988), Sumedha Jayasena, Ferial Ashraff, Rohini Kumari Wijeratne-Kaviratne and Manjula Dissanayake also took up political roles after the death of their husbands. In addition, Keerthilatha Abeywickrama and Thalatha Atukorale entered politics after the assassination of their brothers, while Sunethra Ranasinghe and Hirunika Premachandra followed the assassination of their fathers. And there are more.

Regional comparisons

India's political landscape has produced prominent female leaders, such as Indira Gandhi, who followed in the footsteps of her father Jawaharlal Nehru and became Prime Minister. Her political career was significantly influenced by her father's status and political work. Indira Gandhi's rise to power set a precedent for women in Indian politics, who often come from established political families. Another notable figure is Sonia Gandhi, who entered politics after her husband Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991. Sonia Gandhi's leadership of the Indian National Congress was crucial, particularly in revitalizing the party and maintaining its influence in Indian politics.

The political career of Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is another poignant example of dynastic politics. She became the first female head of government of a Muslim-majority country after the execution of her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Benazir Bhutto's tenure as prime minister was marked by significant political challenges, including issues related to corruption and governance. Despite these challenges, she remains a symbol of female political leadership in Pakistan. Her assassination in 2007 during the election campaign underscored the ongoing volatility and risks faced by political figures in the country.

In Bangladesh, the political landscape has been shaped by female politicians such as Sheikh Hasina and Khaleda Zia, who have followed similar paths. Sheikh Hasina is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country's founder who was assassinated in 1975. Her leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize the country's economy and improve infrastructure despite numerous political challenges and threats. Khaleda Zia entered politics after the assassination of her husband, President Ziaur Rahman, and served as prime minister for two non-consecutive terms. Both politicians have dominated Bangladeshi politics for decades, reflecting the dynastic nature of the country's political leadership.

The trend of women entering politics after the death of their male relatives underscores the patriarchal nature of South Asian societies, where men have traditionally held political power. This phenomenon raises critical questions about the obstacles women face in politics. Despite these challenges, women such as Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar and Megawati Sukarnoputri in Indonesia have had significant political careers.

Breaking the pattern: Promoting independent women in politics

With no female candidates running in the 2024 presidential election, their absence is a stark reminder of the urgency of breaking down the deep-rooted barriers that prevent women from achieving political power on their own.

To achieve true equality and diverse gender representation, it is critical to break the pattern of political succession through family connections and provide opportunities for independent women to enter Sri Lankan politics. Allowing women to gain political power solely through their male relatives reinforces the notion that women can only succeed in politics through such connections. This undermines the efforts of countless capable women who, if given the opportunity, could bring fresh perspectives and new leadership styles to politics.

Encouraging independent women to enter politics would create a more inclusive political environment and inspire future generations to pursue political careers on their own. It would also help break down the deeply rooted patriarchal structures that currently dominate South Asian politics. By promoting policies that support women's education and leadership training, as well as equal access to political opportunities, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a more representative and progressive political landscape.

To achieve this, comprehensive reforms are essential. These reforms should focus on removing financial barriers by restructuring the political environment so that money is no longer the main factor in a candidate's success. Implementing strict campaign finance regulations, promoting transparency and ensuring equal access to financial resources for all candidates regardless of their gender will create a level playing field and enable more women to enter politics based on their qualifications rather than their financial backing. Creating a safe environment for women in politics is also crucial. This includes combating and eliminating violence and intimidation faced by female politicians. Implementing specific laws to protect women in politics and ensuring that political parties put the safety of their female members first will encourage more women to actively participate in the political process.

In addition, political parties should prioritize merit, integrity and leadership qualities when selecting candidates, rather than financial contributions or family connections. This change will attract more capable leaders and reduce the influence of corruption within the political system.

Cultural and educational reforms are equally important to change the deep-rooted patriarchal mindset that undermines women's political capacity. Introducing gender sensitization in schools and public institutions and promoting leadership training and education for women will prepare them for leadership roles and counter stereotypes that suggest women lack the energy or ability to be presidential candidates.

The world has seen numerous successful female leaders who have led their countries with brilliance, often outperforming their male counterparts in terms of effectiveness and governance. For example, Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany, led her country through significant economic and political challenges, earning global respect for her leadership. Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, is known for her compassionate and decisive leadership, especially during crises such as the Christchurch mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former President of Liberia, became Africa's first elected female head of state and played a critical role in stabilizing the country after years of civil war. Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, has been praised for her handling of cross-strait relations with China and her response to the COVID-19 pandemic, positioning Taiwan as a global leader in health and technology. These examples show that women are more than capable of leading their countries effectively and challenging outdated mindsets that underestimate the potential of women in politics.

As we look to the future, perhaps with concerted efforts and change, we will see in Sri Lanka independent women vying for the highest office in the land, not as heirs to political dynasties, but as leaders in their own right. By implementing these recommendations, countries like Sri Lanka and others in Asia can create a fairer political landscape that truly reflects the diversity and potential of all their citizens. This transformation is not only necessary, but overdue, and will pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive future.

Sources:

The Diplomat – How have female leaders shaped South Asian politics?

EFSAS – Political dynasties and discrimination: The female leaders of South Asia

Disruptive Asia – Daughters of Dynasties and Widows of Martyrs: Female Leaders and Gender Inequality in Asia

Parliament of Sri Lanka – Lady List

Feminism in India – Obstacles to women’s political participation in South Asia: money, muscle and misogyny

South Asia Journal – Empowering Women: Political Participation in South Asian Countries on International Women’s Day

(The author is a research fellow at the Pathfinder Foundation.)