Halonen and Merckel discuss media portrayal of leading women
|
|
|
Finnish President Tarja Halonen feels that the media treats male and female politicians differently. During a meeting in Barcelona of the European Union member states and 10 countries of the Mediterranean, Halonen complained that reporting on women politicians focuses more on issues of appearance and style.
Halonen said that she had pondered the issue of treatment by women candidates on Sunday when she met Angela Merkel, Germany’s new Chancellor.
"When two woman politicians meet, it is difficult to completely avoid talking about whether or not male and female canddiates are treated alike. The same kinds of phenomena seem to take place in different countries. You just have to take it", the Finnish President said.
At the meeting itself, it was decided that efforts would be made to speed up the creation of a free trade area for the Mediterranean region. Differences emerged over the definition of terrorism and the Mideast situation.
On the issue of women in politics, Halonen said that media attitudes place additional demands on leading women; she said that aspects of appearance do not attract nearly as much media attention with men.
During her time as President, Halonen has faced criticism for what has been seen as excessively informal clothing, and the size of her handbag.
Halonen said that she does not want to underestimate the importance of appearance or style for politicians, but she points out that in the case of women, such as the US Secretary of State, or the German Chancellor, more column inches are devoted to these aspects, than is the case with men.
Helsingin Sanomat
|
| 29.11.2005 - TODAY |
 Halonen and Merckel discuss media portrayal of leading women
|
|
