Fewer women than men in Faroe Islands feel confident in understanding political issues

Fewer women than men in the Faroe Islands believe they have a strong understanding of political issues, according to a new survey conducted by Demokratia in collaboration with Lóðir. Political scientist Súsanna Olsen notes that women are generally more self-critical than men, resulting in significantly lower chances of women appearing on municipal election lists.

The survey indicates that among those aged 60 and older, only 20% of women feel knowledgeable about local politics, compared to 40% of men in the same age group. The disparity grows when considering national politics, where 23% of women and 47% of men express confidence in their understanding.

Olsen emphasizes that the underrepresentation of women in politics, particularly local government, is a democratic issue. She points out that many decisions related to family and children are made at the municipal level, yet women who are often caregivers are less likely to participate in political discussions.

The study also revealed that women are hesitant to engage in politics due to a lack of confidence in their political knowledge. When asked about the value of their political opinions, 35% of women and 49% of men expressed doubt about their perspectives being worth listening to. Overall, women’s democratic self-esteem appears lower than that of men.

Olsen stresses the importance of addressing these issues, as women face harsher scrutiny in political environments. She argues that improving communication and ensuring women’s voices are heard is crucial for achieving a balanced representation in politics.