Michaella Claire P.

Layug September 30, 2015

POLLSEA A51
Concept Paper
Political Role of Women in Southeast Asia: Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore
Background of the Study
The struggle for equality has been a matter of discussion for the past decades. Gender has been a factor
that limited the participation of women in societal activities. There have been numerous accounts from
the past which can serve as evidences of how women were excluded in different conditions although,

womens role in politics has evolved over the years. More and more women have taken interest in

entering the political arena and have been permitted to do so. There have also been political rights
established by a great number of constitutions and laws all over the world to ensure equality of men
and women. In terms of legality, countries in Southeast Asia recognize full rights of citizenship
of both sexes (Raksasataya, 1968, p. 89) To elucidate the the concept of womens participation
participation, it is necessary to define what it means. In Western thinking, the term women's political
responsibilities suggests females' demand for an equal share in political power and that the degree of
political responsibility can be measured by quantitative indicators, such as how many women vote or
hold office (Raksasataya, 1968, p. 87)
Research Problem
Research is needed on role of women in politics because womens representation and participation in
government in any form may it be through elections or political leadership is vital to achieve gender
parity. In an paper published by UNESCO the primitive mentality which regards war as a sport for
men has a similar tendency to regard politics as a mans affair (Duverger, 1955, p.10) Women have
undeniably faced various challenges in order to attain representation in matters involving them
especially in governance. A number of assumptions created by society has limited the participation of
women in public affairs. They are unconsciously relegated to matters concerning the family and home,
because of this their ability to participate in such activities is diminished.
Research Questions:
1. What are the different factors which affect political participation in the Philippines, Indonesia
and Singapore?
2. Does an increased level of participation of women in politics positively affect the specified

countries governance?

Significance of the Study

Female representation needs to be increased because it does not only empower them, but also the
societies in which they belong to. Women, with their conventional role of taking care of their children
can also make way for developments of advocacies that would benefit children. Women, being the
common victims of gender bias might also increase the possibility of policy developments that concern
gender equality. According to a study conducted in six Southeast Asian countries, women have equal
legal privileges in running for offices or voting, but that their actual role in these activities is minor,
except in the Philippines (Raksasataya, 1968, p. 86) comparing the status of womens political
participation in the Philippines to other Southeast Asian countries would provide a broader perspective
that is necessary to understand the role of Southeast Asian women in politics.
Scope of the Study
The scope of this inquiry will focus on three countries in Southeast Asia namely: the Philippines,
Indonesia and Singapore. The paper will look into the role of women in politics in general before going
into the specific countries in order to provide a more structured view of the stated topic. The paper will
also include examples outside Southeast Asia for the elaboration of specific points, but will no longer
probe the individual cases further.

References:
Duverger, M. (1955). The Political Role of Women. Retrieved from UNESCO website:
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0005/000566/056649eo.pdf
Raksasataya, A. (1968). The Political Role of Southeast Asian Women. Annals of The American
Academy of Political and Social Science, 375, 86-90. doi:10.1177/000271626837500113