Alliance candidate: Ben Lowry should first talk to women before claiming sexism is mute

In relation to Ben Lowry's article about women (January 28) in local politics no longer facing discrimination, it is clear Mr Lowry does not understand sexism.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Feb 2017, 18:55 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:54 BST
First Minister Arlene Foster joined many current and former female MLAs at an event in Parliament Buildings last year to mark the first Assembly Womens Week. The lunch was hosted by Speaker of the Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin MLAFirst Minister Arlene Foster joined many current and former female MLAs at an event in Parliament Buildings last year to mark the first Assembly Womens Week. The lunch was hosted by Speaker of the Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA
First Minister Arlene Foster joined many current and former female MLAs at an event in Parliament Buildings last year to mark the first Assembly Womens Week. The lunch was hosted by Speaker of the Assembly, Mitchel McLaughlin MLA

While there are more women in politics, it does not mean there is no sexism, sexists or misogyny.

In May, all the female MLAs were invited to take part in a photograph to show their growth in number. In a non-sexist environment, there would be no commentary about that number.

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The fact is it is surprising so many women are taking up public office reveals a misogynistic complex many would do well to recognise. Media commentary such as ‘what she is wearing’ or ‘how many children she has’, as opposed to ability reveals sexism is alive and well.

Letters to EditorLetters to Editor
Letters to Editor

Mr Lowry might have a chat with a woman in politics before putting fingers on his keyboard again.

Instead of patronising women by claiming sexism is mute, he may see while numbers are increasing, there is still much more to do to stamp out sexism in every walk of life, not just politics.

Kellie Armstrong, Alliance candidate, Strangford

Related topics:Ben LowryMLAs