Gender Representation of Selected Women Politicians in the Digital Era: A Textual Analysis

Abstract

The study explored the relationship between Filipino women politicians and their political roles as depicted in media interviews to generate new findings and broader societal perspectives on gender representation. Sandra Harding’s Feminist Standpoint Theory was applied to the research, which offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between gender, power, and political agency, ultimately illuminating how female politicians shape and transform contemporary governance. The study adopted qualitative research and textual analysis to examine the content of media interviews. It seeks to reveal the rich tapestry of meanings embedded within the text, showcasing the multiple interpretations that can arise and the depth of the text’s significance.

Research findings showed that women politicians adeptly negotiate power dynamics by balancing their political roles and individual identities. They assert their authority in diverse ways, even in challenging circumstances. Each politician’s interactions are shaped by their gender. For instance, they manifested different levels of assertiveness, vulnerability, strength, and confidence between the interviews. Moreover, the interviews contributed to a wide-ranging discourse on gender equality and political empowerment. Women politicians are encouraged to actively use media institutions to highlight their leadership and policy knowledge. Strategically interacting with the media could shift public opinion, refute disinformation, and promote causes significant to women and society in the digital era. The findings highlighted the influence of women politicians on policy-making and their impact on future generations of leaders.