Columnist should do better

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This article was published 24/01/2024 (840 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We often hear about how little attention is being paid to the unrecognized or “soft forms” of misogyny that take place in society and the workplace.

Yes, we hear about the pay gaps and women trying to break the glass ceiling. But little do we discuss what happens when women do elevate into those leadership roles, and the human mindsets that pose yet another ceiling we as women must break.

I was recently elected to the Manitoba legislature on Oct. 3. Before that, much of my career was spent in traditional male-dominated industries.

It may come as a surprise to some that my career was filled with men in senior leadership roles who cultivated an environment that encouraged women to prosper.

In my new role as an MLA, I was excited about the opportunity that has been afforded to me; to take on a role that only a few dozen women have done before.

However, it seems society has become so used to the disrespectful rhetoric about elected officials — from the media, the public and other politicians — that even mainstream publications have not only looked the other way, but have given a forum to print.

A piece was published in the Winnipeg Free Press that called my colleague and former premier, Heather Stefanson, a “feckless leader,” who was “coaxed” into running by the “influential men in her life.” (Stefanson leaves pathetic legacy as easily influenced, ultimately feckless premier, Jan. 19).

So when regular Free Press opinion writer Tom Brodbeck prints this misogynistic vitriol, I am not just going to stand up to it — I’m going to call on him to do better.

To suggest the subjugation of women in political leadership roles is both deeply insulting and condescending.

Calling Manitoba’s first female premier “feckless,” and making a completely unsubstantiated claim that she was a “spokesperson” controlled by influential men is beyond abhorrent. Brodbeck is part of the reason so many women feel discouraged about running for elected office or getting involved politically.

Instead of offering genuine criticism of Heather Stefanson — who, I might add, has served our province for over 23 years — he tore her down both personally and as a woman. He insinuated that she was merely a pawn for rural-minded men. He used sexist, misogynistic tropes to try and make his point.

As a female legislator, my jaw dropped when I read this. I welcome Brodbeck’s consistent disagreement on substantive policy issues with the PC party at any time. We’re politicians, and we have thick skin. But on this one, he crossed a line.

I want my daughter, and all young women across this province, to get involved in their communities and in issues that matter to them; whether that be to run for leader, premier or prime minister, if they so choose. When Manitoba’s paper of record publishes personal attacks designed to tear a woman down, how do you think that makes girls feel about their potential to run for office? Brodbeck has a public forum that could be used to inspire women to run. He failed miserably at doing so (in his column).

I sincerely hope Brodbeck reflects on his choice of words and realizes that as a regular opinion columnist in the Free Press, his words have huge power. Instead of punching down on those who have shattered glass ceilings, maybe use your position to help lift up other women to do the same in the future.

I also call on all my NDP and Liberal colleagues, to set aside partisan politics and loudly denounce this type of antiquated behaviour.

Together as Manitobans, we can turn the page on this regressive way of thinking, and encourage women into leadership roles in politics, business and our communities.

Lauren Stone is the MLA for Midland.