Try GOLD - Free
Women battle for respect in 'hostile' politics
The Star
|September 30, 2025
CZECH lawmaker Martina Ochodnicka is quitting after a single term, upset with hateful, misogynistic comments and a general lack of support for women politicians.
-
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 you're 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%.
This story is from the September 30, 2025 edition of The Star.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Star
The Star
Magz, Shezy ignite ancestral pride with powerful Afrotech anthem 'Ngangoba Yini'
SOUTH African DJs and producers Magz and Shezy are turning sound into a declaration of identity with their new Afrotech single, Ngangoba Yini.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
Markram and Proteas face their 'Bad Boys' moment in Super 8
First up in the Super 8 are defending champions India at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
1 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
Analysing the Boks' No 4 options before Eben's return
THE Springboks' chief enforcer, Eben Etzebeth, has been enjoying a prolonged summer holiday after copping a 12-week ban for an eye-gouging incident during the November Test against Wales.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
South Africa's gold industry faces sodium cyanide shortage - DRDGold
JUST AS South Africa's gold industry is benefiting from the highest gold prices in history, the sector has been struck by a critical shortage of sodium cyanide, which is the key chemical used to dissolve the yellow metal from the ore.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
Peterson’s young Warriors stay afloat on the opening day
ROBIN Peterson's young Warriors have stayed afloat against the Lions on the opening day of the Cricket SA Four-Day Series final at the Bullring yesterday.
1 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
Moshe Ndiki hosts 'Mgidi Moms': a reality show celebrating Xhosa traditions
IN ISIXHOSA culture, the Xhosa people observe various rites of passage that are central to their traditions.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
Water crisis is a growing threat to basic human rights
THERE'S no denying that South Africa is experiencing a severe water crisis.
5 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
South Africa receives one million vaccine doses to combat Foot and Mouth Disease
MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen announced on Tuesday that the first batch of one million high-potency vaccine doses against Foot and Mouth Disease from Biogénesis Bagó in Argentina is scheduled to arrive this weekend in South Africa.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
How to beat the odds in your first year of business
ACCORDING to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 20% of Australian businesses fail in their first year after opening.
2 mins
February 19, 2026
The Star
Two million VW Polos and South Africa's automotive success
2026 MARKS a milestone year for Volkswagen Group Africa as the company celebrates 75 years in South Africa and 30 years of Polo production at its Kariega manufacturing plant.
1 mins
February 19, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size