I have never regarded the girl guide movement as political activists. But they clearly have strong views on women and politics, according to a report they have published called alarmingly Political Outsiders:We Care, But Will We Vote?
It has been highlighted today to mark International Women’s Day and describe a whole generation of women lost to politics. More than 90 years after women won the right to vote, the survey of young females aged up to 25 concludes they are “outside politics”, with many feeling detached from local and national policies and decision-making.
The study blames a lack of information about how to take part in local and national politics and the small proportion of female MPs – 19% – in Westminster.
The Independent on Sunday describes the apathy and disengagement felt by young women today. Denise King, the chief executive of Girlguiding UK: “This report shows that greater efforts are needed to inspire the next generation of 
female policy-makers, empowering them to have a real say on issues affecting their daily lives and the communities they live in.”
It highlights the confused messages given by Ruth Kelly, who resigned from the Cabinet last year to spend more time with her family, and the sense that leading women politicians have to hide their femininity to achieve a leading political role.
It has been published in partnership with the Fawcett Society and the British Youth Council and calls for a new Youth Green Paper, including a demand for one person under 25 to be on every parliamentary shortlist, and the ability to vote by text message or through social networking sites such as Facebook.
I believe if a young political candidate is outstanding, they will make it on to a shortlist, and female candidates too. I do not see voting by text or Facebook happening as the system would be far too open to abuse. But with many politicians now actively using social networking sites, they should be using them to reach out to young voters; the opportunities are there for young people to join the online communities of local political groups and become actively involved.
The same question is repeatedly asked about how women politicians juggle their family and hectic working life. I believe we need to hear them speak candidly about what life is really like in Westminster, and how they manage to wear so many different hats and be all things to so many people.
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From my experience it all youngsters who are not interested in politics, not just females!
CherryPie, this study has highlighted those young women who want to be politically inspired, but are not. I agree that it is not for all young people, the same as adults. I’ve got girlfriends who find Newsnight the most boring programme on earth, yet it is one of the highlights of my day.
I was just going to say the same as cherrypie… maybe youngsters and females are just not interested in politics ..I am not ashamed to say i no nothing about politics and dont wish to either
Women politicians havent been shining examples lately, with Harman & Kelly.
I don’t think its that young people or young girls are not interested. it’s that they feel politics not accessible to them and don’t feel that politicans listen to them or make decisions that are relevant to their lives so become disinterested
I think there will always be people who are interested and those who are not. The thing about women politicians telling it how it really is, is that they lose credibility with their male colleagues (and female ones with no children – those particularly) if they do so ie show that it has posed problems for them. The done thing is to cope and appear to have no difficulties. It’s what I had to do when I was working and looking for promotion.
But I think the whole political system that we currently have is alien to women – to the way we do things, get things done, the way our minds work. But I have no idea what you do about that. I guess change will happen and all these things probably help.
But there will always be women out there, who may appear suited to politics who simply would not try it. I certainly wouldn’t.
Emily, there is no excuse for politicians not to reach out to politically interested young people today with all the social networking tools. Politicians should be listening to all voters, whether they are 18 or 80.
But it’s true, as RB says, that there will always be those who are interested and those who are not.
Yes, I think politicians using the technology young people use in order to reach them is the way forward.
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Yes, I think politicians using the technology young people use in order to reach them is the way forward. According to my experience it all youngsters who are not interested in politics, not just females!