Europe’s Old Boys Need to Make Way for Women

Europe has been a progressive leader on many political issues, but women are still underrepresented in continental politics, argues Margot Wallström, vice president of the European Commission in an essay for the Financial Times. In selecting candidates for ministerial positions, top leaders often strive for diversity but overlook glaring gender imbalances, she notes. People naturally tend to select candidates with whom they are comfortable – and that method can overlook some worthy candidates. “It is not about a shortage of capable women, but rather a question of men choosing men,” Wallström writes. Women serve the public in different ways then men and offer different perspectives – and those differences can contribute to good governance. – YaleGlobal