Pinder Chauhan, the Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bedford and Kempston, sheds light on the challenges that mothers in the political spotlight face. Such as the unspoken sacrifices they make, the camaraderie among women across party lines, and the juggling act of managing both political responsibilities and young children.
Today, there are more women in politics than ever before, with 35% of the House of Commons consisting of female MPs. Many of these women are not only responsible for representing their constituents but also for caring for their young children at home
Early career discrimination
Pinder described the time she was selected to stand as county councillor — she purposely wore baggy clothes as she had the fear that maybe her pregnancy would hold her back in some way. An experience countless women face, not just those in politics.
“When I was selected for county council there were 3 men that left the party. 3 older men said quite openly, we would lose the election because I was a woman, and I was working and had children. But what that did was, make me more determined to win — and win that election.”
One in five mothers said they experienced harassment or negative comments related to their pregnancy according to a report carried out by the Equality and Human rights commision.
Magnified Scrutiny
Women and mothers in politics, inherently create a persona of strength, confidence and competence — no matter what is happening at home.
A ‘wrong move’, or a hint of substandard, often results in a barrage of criticism from those who want to quickly take your place.
During county council campaigning Pinder heard rumours of the opposite party say to people on the door that she was incapable of doing her job as a councillor because she has a baby and won’t be able to manage. Pinder said,
“I find it interesting that this was a woman saying these things, and wasn’t a man.”
Female Solidarity
Pinder goes on to describe the support she received from the Conservative party association and senior female peers in the party such as Andrea Leadson. She describes the encouragement and guidance that was provided to her in her career.
“I had a very strong role model with Andrea, and received all her support. Seeing her amongst all those men, being the only female MP in the whole of the county, was a huge influence to me. The way she held herself and that made me think, you can do it — you can still be surrounded by men, and still be put forward and be heard without your gender being a barrier.”
She goes on to say there is female solidarity amongst women at the Commons, regardless of which party they belong to, generally speaking. There is a sense of understanding amongst peers and is never weaponized as it may have once appeared.
Many of the most senior women in politics have young families and still excel in their political careers despite the physical and mental strain of having a young baby at home.
As an example, Suella Braverman’s first child was only 7 months old when she took post as Attorney General in February 2020. She soon had her second child in 2021, and was appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department on 25 October 2022.
Success at what sacrifice
With a growing division between the left and right, extremism is a consequence. And more often than not, political figures are made a direct target to that. She describes the experience of having to deal with a stalker recently.
When asked what it is like to be a woman in politics,
“it can be really difficult, last week I had a stalker arrested. It was one of those things that would put a lot of women off being in politics.”
“Politics is not a safe arena to operate in”
“In the back of your mind, you always have that safety element, that’s always going to be there. When you think of Joe Cox or Sir David Amess who were murdered, 2 different parties — Labour and Conservative, but they were members of parliament representing and doing the best for their community. Politics is not a safe arena to operate in, but you have to have that passion to override that fear, even though that fear should not exist.”
Paula Sherriff, Labour MP for Dewsbury told the guardian,
“It can be tough. Let’s be absolutely clear, we are very resilient. I reject those saying we are snowflakes and weak. Quite the opposite. We are very, very tough. To be a female MP, certainly in a marginal seat, isn’t easy. The vast majority of us accept robust debate comes as part of our role, as well as constructive criticism. Unfortunately, so many cross the line with threats of violence, and sexual violence, and some are really offensive.”
The default parent
Women in a general sense, often take the role as the ‘default parent’, so how do politically driven women balance between raising a family and standing for office.
“A lot of women have to be asked to stand in politics, they doublethink everything. ‘Iv got my job, i’ve got my kids’ how am I going to balance everything?’ but men don’t tend to hold themselves back in the same way. From what I have seen there are alot of men who stand for politics and aren’t qualified, but will still apply — where, women don’t tend to do that.”
She adds, “we need to equip women to feel as confident as men do.”
“I think a barrier to politics starts with changing perception, changing that view you have on yourself and what you can bring to the table. I think making it easier for women to enter politics, such as childcare reform. It’s a choice women should have and there is nothing wrong with wanting to stay at home caring for your children. But the options should exist.”
Campaign leafleting and child in tow
Pinder is now in full preparation towards the sprint to the general election, and aims to turn Bedford and Kempston blue again. Relentless campaigning around commitments around her work and family.
To find out more about her political life, visit pinderchauhan.org.uk
