When we talk about representation, there are many different ways to interpret what we mean. Are we talking about political representation in our parliaments and institutions? What about representation in our society more broadly? Who, or what, should be represented where?

We often try to find the answer to these questions in our democracies. We choose the people who we think should be our leaders. We try to open up our societies to diverse viewpoints, cultures and ideas. In theory, all citizens have access and opportunity to participate in political and civic life. However, looking around at the reality of the representation that we have across many areas of life, we see power imbalances that result in some having more access and opportunity than others. And that, is a big problem.

As another International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world this month, yet again we are confronted with brutally disheartening facts and figures about the representation of women, and especially young women, in decision-making roles and positions of power and influence. There are of course, so many examples we could talk about of young women making their voices heard in their own right, but when looking at the bigger picture, progress is painfully slow and in some cases, we’re taking steps backwards. Hoping and waiting for a larger number of women to rise up as officially recognised representatives over time isn’t working.

The systems, cultural norms and processes that are holding us back were not designed for us, or by us. Expecting young women to adapt and thrive in these environments without finding ways to open up ownership and respond to our needs is not only naive, but wrong. What should our governments and leaders be doing?

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