How the Guardian has been building up an image of the "Baroness of Bethnal Green". So much talent. So little.......

0110 Hrs London Monday 4 May 2009


Frm the Guaradin web site:

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We need all kinds of women in politics
National representation of minority ethnic women is nowhere near what it should be – we must open the political door to them
Comments (63)

Pola Uddin
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 31 March 2009 15.30 BST
Article history
When I entered the House of Lords 11 years ago, there was no fanfare, no acclaim at being the first Muslim female peer, or even acknowledgement of my work in the London borough of Tower Hamlets. Rather, all the coverage centred on what value I could possibly add to the House as a woman who wore a sari and breast-fed her son in the female peers room. In fact, I was advised by my peers and so-called friends that I may wish to consider wearing a suit to be taken seriously.

So, did my appointment to the Lords herald a sea-change in female minority representation, or even an acceptance that women of colour could potentially add value and insight to governing institutions? The current situation suggests not.

National representation of minority ethnic women is nowhere near what it should be, but this comes as no surprise when local government – a breeding ground for many an aspiring politician – remains staunchly middle-aged, pale and male, unlike our society at large.

Whilst the number of female councillors has risen, from 27% in 1997 to the current level of 31%, for minority ethnic women the situation appears to be deteriorating. There are now only around 149 female councillors from ethnic minority backgrounds out of nearly 20,000 nationally, a fall from 2006. I find it alarming and disappointing that minority ethnic women represent less than 1% of all councillors despite making up more than 5% of the population.

I had hoped times had changed since the 1980s and 90s when I was a councillor. Back then there was a prevailing view that Asian women were too much of a political risk and were too family-orientated to dedicate sufficient time to the needs of their constituents. Strangely I managed to juggle a husband, five kids including one with autism, and my responsibilities as a councillor. I'm no superwoman, I was just underestimated.

What's even more frustrating is that opposition comes not only from traditional sources such as the old boys' network, a predictable enemy. I know of many women who have encountered fierce criticism and alienation from those you would expect to be their biggest cheerleaders – their family members and local community. A fellow member of my Taskforce and Respect party leader, Salma Yaqoob, even received death threats from an extremist group.

As Muslim women we'll always have to balance along this thin line of dual identity – either being questioned about dress code that instantly labels us "too Muslim, therefore potentially disloyal", or that we've sold out and become "white and middle class". Hearing these comments makes you realise that those who want to come forward to serve publicly have their work cut out for them – they're damned if they do and damned if they don't. The reality is that we need their contribution and colourful opinions and we need women, with children, with disabilities, with saris and hijab – we need everyone.

It's plain to see that for minority women it's not a question of hitting a glass ceiling – many of these women simply can't get through the door. I have been called as a witness at today's Speaker's Conference in parliament, where I will be answering questions on what can be done to rectify the under-representation of women, minority women and the disabled in parliament and society at large. And maybe, just maybe, we can slowly inch that door open.