Sexism and politics: GEs should not be beauty pageants

Whether it is their looks, their age or their race, women in politics are judged unfairly, and it is Singapore that suffers.

- Stefanie Yuen Thio

While meant as praise, it reduced other women to decoration — highlighting how even positive comparisons can reinforce gendered tropes. As Workers' Party candidate Alexis Dang aptly put it, "all of us here are multifaceted individuals, so I don't think one image can define us".

AGEISM AND MARITAL STATUS Women in politics face a no-win scenario when it comes to age. Older candidates are mocked as "aunties". Younger ones are either dismissed as inexperienced or subject to cynical speculation about scandal — based on nothing more than how they look.

Marital status also becomes fair game. Single women are scrutinised for not being married; married or attached women are subject to discussions on their personal life and how it affects their performance in the political field. These lines of questioning have little to do with a candidate's actual capability.

Are male candidates subject to similar interrogation?

WHEN SEXISM MEETS RACE Sexism in politics often intersects with other forms of discrimination — particularly race and religion.