numbers versus reality

More and more women are being elected to the House of Commons today.
However, this does not mean that there is an increase in the mobilization
of women's issues. There is a need for a "critical mass" to be achieved
before the voices of women shall be heard in elite politics. This "critical
mass" theory say that when the number of women reach 30% then they become
a real force in politics. Having more women visible in the media is making
the idea of becoming a politician more and more feasible to young people.
Role models are extremely important. Presently, women compose of 19% of the
House of Commons. Who knows, maybe five years from now,
the "critical mass" of 30% shall be achieved. Then, women's voices shall
really be heard and the increase in representation will amount to an increase
in policy.