Women battle for respect in ‘hostile’ politics

CZECH lawmaker Martina Ochodnicka is quitting after a single term, upset with hateful, misogynistic comments and a general lack of support for women politicians.

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CZECH lawmaker Martina Ochodnicka.

(AFP)

The 41-year-old deputy head of the right-wing coalition party TOP 09 is one of several women leaving parliament after serving four years, ahead of this weekend's general election.

“Women in Czech politics face unnecessary obstacles,’ Ochodnicka, who has looked to raise awareness of the attitudes and other issues women face,said.

Rather than over her role as a lawmaker, she was under public scrutiny as a mother of three, said Ochodnicka, who had worked as a village mayor before becoming a lawmaker in 2021.

“You're not a mother enough, or you're a mother too much, or youre not a mother at all. This is something that male politicians don't face,’ she added.

The 200-seat Czech parliament currently comprises 51 women ~ the most in history — but the 25% share is much lower than in neighbouring countries like Austria, Germany or Poland where it exceeds 30%.