Sisters of Hong Kong, unite
All political systems have deprived women of their rightful place. Necessity during the two world wars finally liberated them in bourgeois societies, just as socialism and communism did their part in the overhaul of societies.
Civilisation is not a linear progression of simple, well-defined lines. To claim that women have always been suppressed is ahistorical. Like all social relationships, the dynamics of power between the sexes are complex. Both eastern and western civilisations have witnessed women rulers, warriors, scholars and artists. The fact, however, is that, in our era, women's position is still more marginal than their role and contribution to society.
Just look at the prominence given to photos of successful male candidates in the Legislative Council election. Women appeared in fewer shots, pictures of them were smaller, and their faces were partly obscured. There was not even one good photo of Audrey Eu Yuet-mee, well-known for her dress sense. Yet there were a number of very respectable and prominent shots of Martin Lee Chu-ming and Yeung Sum, despite their disreputable tactics on election day, when they continued to press for more votes for Mr Lee, a move which ultimately cost Cyd Ho Sau-lan her seat.
Christine Loh Kung-wai was right to be fuming inside. Most women were, regardless of their party sympathies. For it was neither a tactical error nor undue nervousness; it was chauvinism. Two men of their political calibre could not stomach having to take second place behind Ms Eu, whom they consider a political greenhorn, and Ms Ho, whom they do not see as 'one of them'. The two women were called upon to help Mr Lee; to sacrifice their votes for a greater cause - his return to Legco. On election day, when it was clear that this would happen, the ego of the two men meant that they could not stomach being outshone by two women. Thus began the aggressive campaign. Somewhere along the line, the two men knew that they were taking a lead in the polls. Egotism took hold: what if they could swing enough of the two women's votes to their side to win a third seat on their ticket? This would reinforce their prominence in the Democratic Party and render them a force to be reckoned with. And Ms Ho? Luck could decide her fate. Betrayal is bad enough. But crocodile tears? Dr Yeung had to add insult to injury. Perhaps even Mr Lee was duped by his wily successor. Science has established that male hormones render men more aggressive. Compounded in the betrayal is male bullying and domination. Two women, their equals, were asked to yield so that two men would be sure to win.
Sexual inequality clearly marks the heads of the Democratic Party. Mr Lee has little regard for women's sensibilities, having famously cracked lewd jokes in Legco. With the election of Albert Cheng King-hon as well, there is a greater need for women lawmakers to stand up for ethical conduct.
Confrontational politics that has so far contributed to a hostile atmosphere should be transformed by Hong Kong's women politicians into constructive co-operation. It is high time women legislators were no longer led by the nose by men whose egoism renders them obdurate and recalcitrant at the expense of Hong Kong's economic well-being and stable political development, as well as our international repute.
Sisters, show the world that Hong Kong is still a cut above its neighbours. Show our brothers that we do not, and will not, put up with their nonsense and follies. Show them, however, that we will put our best capabilities to good use, and we expect as much from them. Intelligent, creative co-operation is our motto.
Margaret Chu is a senior research officer with the One Country Two Systems Research Institute. The views expressed are those of the author
