Europe: Central & Eastern: Slovakia: Attitudes of Slovak Women Towards Political Parties, Government and Public Issues
Overview
NDI conducted focus group discussions in late May 2002 to ascertain the attitudes of women voters in Slovakia in advance of critical parliamentary elections anticipated in September and local elections slated for November.
Through a grant by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), NDI is working to promote greater political participation among women in Slovakia. The goal of this series of focus groups was to apprise political parties, NGOs, and other relevant organizations in Slovakia on the attitudes of women voters-particularly undecided women voters--on political issues such that they can improve their outreach to women. Participants were undecided women voters, representing four regions, a range of ages, education levels, and employment status.
Specifically, through this research NDI sought to:
Determine attitudes of women voters towards the current and previous government, political parties, and national public policies;
Explore issues of importance and decision-making processes;
Probe expectations of political parties and women political leaders; and
Assess the effectiveness of campaign communications with women voters.
Findings Women voters have definite views on issues important to them. While there is no clear gender gap in voting preferences, research showed critical differences in how men and women in Slovakia approach elections and politics. In stark contrast to norms in many western nations, the research showed undecided women to be highly informed about the issues, stakes, and key figures in the coming elections. No party was identified as best able to address issues seen as important by women. There appears to be considerable political space for parties to draw women into the political process.
"[There are] so many promises before the election, but the reality is completely different; they only care about themselves."
Women are frustrated with politicians. The sentiment expressed in the quotation - which highlights frustration with the perceived absenteeism, corruption and infighting of Slovak parliamentarians - stands as a challenge to Slovakia's political parties. Key findings showed a consistency in frustration over perceived broken promises and unmet expectations, disillusionment with elected officials, and dismay at the proliferation of political parties. While the government is credited with success in foreign policy, and prospective integration into NATO and the EU is welcome, many participants found that opportunities for advancement are abroad rather than at home, and concerns were raised about a loss of an independent Slovak identity. Privatization and business growth were noted as positive developments, but the manner of privatization was perceived to be an abuse of the national assets.
Women are concerned with corruption. Though it is not seen as a significant part of their daily lives, women find corruption to be a major concern in political parties and leaders. Outside of the political realm, corruption within the health care system was the only other venue where women cited corruption and bribery as occurring.
Women know what they want in a politician. Women want substance, expertise, integrity, and results from their political leaders - regardless of the latter's gender. While unfavorable towards quotas, most women feel there are qualified women and expressed interest in seeing more women represented in politics. As most participants expressed frustration that politicians did not understand the problems of ordinary people, it was shown women politicians may have a natural advantage in adopting an empathetic approach to these concerns, understanding public needs, and tearing down the "iron curtain between politicians and citizens". Importantly, women measure the impact of their vote not only on the next mandate, but on the next generation as well.
The results of the focus groups were shared with political parties, NGOs, and the international community. In addition to general findings, NDI compiled party-specific information and consulted with respective parties in developing and delivering effective messages to target women voters and increase turnout. The full focus group report includes detailed findings on attitudes towards political parties, unemployment and the economy, corruption, health care, pensions, education, housing, status of women, differences between the previous and current governments, and identifies the most prominent media and sources of information accessed by undecided women voters.
Through its USAID grant and funding provided by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), NDI is working with youth, women and Roma to stimulate greater participation in the election process among constituencies that will prove pivotal to the outcome of next year's elections. NDI is conducting a six-month program to train women political activists and candidates in fundamental election-related political and organizational skills, thereby providing women, alongside youth, greater inclusion in Slovakia's political establishment. NDI is working with Roma community organizations to discourage vote buying and to promote voter awareness and empowerment in Roma communities. And the Institute is building on two-years of work with political party youth wings to help prepare young political leaders for the upcoming elections and thereby to promote broad youth participation in the election process.
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