From Constitutional Recognition to Public Office

Abstract

The right to vote and hold public office has been obtained by women after a long and arduous struggle extending over a century. Today, the recognition of this right is embodied in the constitutions of almost all the coun tries which are members of the United Nations. In practice, however, not only is this right abridged in many ways, but also many obstacles are encountered by women as a result of tradition and prejudice, social and economic backwardness, and the general reluctance of men to share power generously with women. The gap between recognition and achievement is still very wide, even in countries which are economically advanced, politically stable, and socially progressive. Even so, it is gratifying to know that, undeterred by this essential deprivation of greater opportunity to hold power, women have made and are still making their contributions in diverse areas of human enterprise and activity, as leaders and initi ators of movements for political and social emancipation, human welfare, and world peace. The struggle for political power, not for power itself, but to enable mankind to build a new social order in peace and freedom, has just begun, and the future of the world depends on how effectively women can organize to meet this challenge.