IAN ALLEN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Portia Simpson Miller left, Minister of Local Government and Sports, gets a hug and kiss from former leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) Hyacinth Bennett after a dedication church service at the Kingston Parish Church.
Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
FEMALE POLITICIANS have been braving the front lines, representing Jamaicans at all levels of the stratification system. But many will agree that besides the toll of the job itself, the life of a public representative is not an easy task.
There are currently seven female members of Parliament in the House of Representatives. They are Portia Simpson Miller, who is vying for the position of presidential candidate for the People's National Party (PNP), Aloun Assamba, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Sharon Hay-Webster, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Shahine Robinson and Verna Parchment.
Three of the People's National Party female members of the House hold substantial responsibilities in government - namely, education, tourism and local government and community development.
The Senate also has a number of women. They are Senators Donna Scott-Mottley, Deika Morrison, Dorothy Lightbourne, Prudence Kidd-Deans, Shirley Williams, and Syringa A. Marshall-Burnett.
"Being involved in politics is a challenge and it is as demanding as it is challenging," said Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, Member of Parliament for Central St. Catherine. "It certainly involves a lot of sacrifices, more than anyone could imagine," she added.
Ms. Grange, who has held offices as deputy leader in charge of a region, parliamentary secretary, and portfolio minister, said politics can also be very disappointing. "Sometimes it feels like a sentence because people view politics in a certain way and you are easily condemned even if you do not deserve it," she bemoaned.
However, she noted that there are moments when she feels that the job is rewarding.
Former Member of Parliament Heather Robinson concurred with Ms. Grange that politics is a very tough job.
"Anyone who chooses to do political representation will find it to be the most demanding experience they've ever had," Ms. Robinson related to The Sunday Gleaner.
According to her, people constantly made requests and she was expected to fulfil them at all times or face criticisms.
Ms. Grange told The Sunday Gleaner that she sometimes faced challenges that men do not experience. "You meet people who feel that because you are a woman, they can scare you and take liberties,"
But, she noted, as a woman and a mother, she takes a more caring and understanding approach to politics, which sometimes breaks down barriers.
Juggling family and work is not an easy task and Ms. Grange said it has been difficult and she has made a lot of sacrifices, at times to the detriment of her family, especially her daughter.
Sharon Hay-Webster, Member of Parliament, for South Central St. Catherine said while the demands of politics are no different than what men in politics experience, it is more difficult for women because they are homemakers.
"We tend to be team builders and ensure community leadership and that demands more time," she said.
Meanwhile, Shahine Robinson, Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann, also noted that politics is a challenging job. And she said, the challenges are not any less being a woman.
"It is very difficult to find personal time because if you have a commitment for the people you serve, you are on call 24 hours," she said.
