Why Society Can’t Let Women Politicians Just Be Politicians

A blog by Erin Shutter, Young Expert at GHRH

Image from Getting it Strait. Source: https://gettingitstrait.com/issues/issue-5/women-in-politics-an-analysis/.

Fifty years ago, women were barely visible in political spaces. Today, they lead nations, draft critical legislation, and inspire movements. But despite this progress, society still refuses to let women in politics simply be ‘politicians’. Their gender becomes a defining lens through which their actions are scrutinised, and their worth measured. Figures like Kamala Harris, Julia Gillard, and Jacinda Ardern are seen not just as politicians but as ‘women politicians’, with all the stereotypes and double standards that label entails.

 This distinction matters because it shapes how these leaders are perceived and treated. Instead of focusing on their policies and achievements, public and media attention often fixates on their gender, leaving women in power trapped between being “too soft” or “too hard.” These outdated critiques don’t just undermine the women leading today; they perpetuate barriers that discourage the next generation of girls from aspiring to political leadership.

 "Too Soft"

One of the most common criticisms levelled at women in politics is that they are “too soft.” This critique reflects outdated assumptions that women lack the toughness or authority to make difficult decisions. Kamala Harris, for example, faced this rhetoric during her rise in U.S. politics. Former President Donald Trump insinuated that foreign leaders would see her as “a play toy,” completely dismissing her extensive qualifications. These remarks stem not from her ability but from a refusal to view women as equals in the arena of power.

Jacinda Ardern made history by taking her baby to the UN General Assembly [Photo: Getty]. Image from Yahoo. Source: https://uk.style.yahoo.com/jacinda-ardern-makes-history-bringing-newborn-baby-un-general-assembly-093044910.html.

This “softness” is often linked to women’s personal lives. When Jacinda Ardern, then Prime Minister of New Zealand, gave birth while in office, critics were quick to question her priorities. Could she lead a country while also being a mother? Would her attention be divided? Yet Ardern’s leadership during significant crises, including the Christchurch terror attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, silenced these doubts. Her approach combined empathy with decisive action, proving that the qualities often deemed “soft” are in fact powerful tools for leadership. 

Ironically, studies suggest that these so-called soft traits might be assets, not liabilities. Barack Obama once noted that more women in power would likely lead to less conflict globally. Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker has also argued that women historically act as a “pacifying force”. Yet rather than celebrating these qualities, women leaders often face backlash when they lean into them.

"Too Hard"

On the flip side, women in politics who reject “softness” and assert their authority are often labelled as “too hard.” Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard experienced this firsthand. After unseating Kevin Rudd, she was accused of unloyalty and being calculating. Critics repeatedly scrutinized her ambition and tone, characterizing her as harsh, even as she delivered significant reforms in education and healthcare. Gillard’s decision not to have children became a public talking point, as though her personal choices were more relevant than her policies.

Image from Pursuit. Source: https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/the-reckoning-of-gillard-s-misogyny-speech.

While Gillard’s leadership style was criticised, her appearance was also relentlessly analysed. Media stories fixated on her wardrobe, hair, and mannerisms, detracting from her substantial achievements. Even her iconic 2012 misogyny speech, in which she called out systemic sexism, was framed by some as bitter rather than bold. These double standards demonstrate how society often punishes women who step outside narrowly defined roles.

 This isn’t just an Australian phenomenon. Women leaders worldwide face the same scrutiny. Kamala Harris, despite her ground-breaking achievements, is routinely subjected to questions about her “likability”. For women in politics, being assertive often invites criticism, even when those same qualities are praised in men. The result is a no-win situation where women must navigate impossible expectations.

Breaking Free from Labels

The persistent labelling of women in politics as “too soft” or “too hard” doesn’t just undermine their achievements—it reinforces harmful stereotypes that ripple through society. When media narratives focus on a woman’s clothing or family life instead of her policies, they send a message that women will always be judged differently. This scrutiny discourages girls from imagining themselves in leadership roles, convinced they’ll never be “enough” to meet society’s impossible standards.

Leaders like Julia Gillard, Jacinda Ardern, and Kamala Harris have proven time and again that women in politics are capable of incredible achievements. Gillard championed transformative reforms and gave one of the most powerful speeches in parliamentary history. Ardern’s compassionate leadership earned global respect, and Harris broke barriers as the first female Vice President of the United States.

These women should not be defined by their gender; they should be defined by their accomplishments.

 But society has to catch up. Until we stop holding women to different standards, the barriers will persist. We must challenge these outdated expectations, celebrate the achievements of women leaders, and focus on what truly matters: their policies, vision, and ability to create change.

 The world cannot afford to lose the voices of brilliant women because of outdated labels. To build a fairer and more equitable future, we must stop asking women politicians to justify their place. If we do, we’ll unlock the full potential of political leadership—not defined by gender but by the ability to lead.

*The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the Young Experts and do not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of the Girls Human Rights Hub. The content shared here is intended to provide insights and perspectives on girls human rights and human rights issues, but it is important to recognise that individual opinions may vary.