Yes, a Feminist Political Party Would Be Useful

After writing my previous post, I read this report by Dana Khraiche in the Daily Star about the possibility of forming a feminist political party in Lebanon.

In reaction to the idea, the previous Minister of Finance Rayya el Hassan, said:

I’m not necessarily against it but I don’t see how such a party could be a benefit

Allow me to make the case to Ms. Hassan on why such a party would actually, tangibly be beneficial. I am under no illusion that people would vote in mass for such a party. But as I argued before, the very fact that such a party exists will threaten to take votes away from mainstream parties. In competitive districts this will put pressure on dominant parties to address issues of female representation to avoid losing the votes of one-issue voters.

In other words, without actually winning elections, parties like a would-be feminist party can influence politicians to embrace their cause. This process is already under way in part because of pressure from feminist activism. Parties like the LF are starting to include internal quotas for women. Having an actual feminist party will kick off such efforts into higher gear.