Fifty Fifty

3rd Jun

Harriet Harman today revealed she thinks women should comprise 50 per cent of Labour's shadow cabinet.

I've just read a NOTW blog post by Sophie Ridge in which she poses the question - is a blanket 50 per cent target the best way of going about it?

I had also entered into a discussion earlier on Twitter regarding Harman's statement with my mate Stephen Davies - his argument "Why? Why can't we just have the best people to the job? Man, woman, post-op tranny. Who cares :)"A great point - and so eloquently put.

And I agree - in an ideal world, the best people should always get the job - in any occupation, not just politics. I do think though that we live in a society where some are not offered the same opportunities as others - and so sometimes change can only come about through reform.

I'm going to stick my neck out and say I think Harman is on to something with her 50/50 cabinet.

Politicians make decisions of great magnitude on a daily basis - decisions which effect the nation - and there are more women than men (51 % to 49% to be exact based ONS stats for the UK)

But it's largely male politicians who decide on issues such as abortion limits, childcare, single parent benefits and maternity pay. Does that seem fair?

Balance is vital in politics because in my opinion, men and women differ greatly in terms of ideology. Our nature is different - and I can't help but wonder - if we were offered a 50/50 share in running the country (even the world) - perhaps we would have fewer wars?

Ever read William Golding's Lord of the Flies? Just one female on that island would have saved Piggy from death.