Alderwomen: meaning, definitions and examples
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alderwomen
[ˈɔːldərˌwʊmən ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
political role
An alderwoman is a female member of an elected legislative body, often a municipal council. Aldermen and alderwomen are responsible for representing their constituents and making decisions on local laws and policies.
Synonyms
councilwoman, female council member, local legislator.
Examples of usage
- The alderwoman proposed a new community park.
- In the meeting, the alderwoman addressed the concerns of local residents.
- Voters are encouraged to support their local alderwoman.
- The alderwoman advocates for environmental issues in the city.
- She was elected as alderwoman after a close campaign.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'alderman' originally comes from Old English, meaning 'elder man' and is derived from the prefix 'ald' meaning 'old' or 'wise'.
- Historically, many of the roles that are now represented by 'alderwomen' were exclusively held by men, reflecting the gender dynamics of the past.
- The addition of the feminine form 'alderwoman' emerged in the late 20th century as part of broader movements for gender equality in political offices.
Political Representation
- In various regions, including the U.S. and the U.K., women's representation in local government has steadily increased since the 1980s.
- Organizations advocating for women's representation often encourage women to run for local councils, resulting in a growing number of alderwomen across cities.
- Some cities have adopted gender quotas, ensuring a specific percentage of elected positions are held by women, thus increasing the likelihood of alderwomen being elected.
Cultural Impact
- Aldermen and alderwomen often engage with community issues, making them pivotal figures in local cultural developments and community programs.
- Alderwomen can influence policies, including those related to gender equality, leading initiatives to support women's rights within their communities.
- The success of alderwomen has encouraged younger generations of women to pursue careers in public service and politics.
Education
- Many programs exist to mentor young women in political leadership, emphasizing the importance of representation like that of alderwomen.
- Educational curriculums about civic engagement often highlight the roles of women in local government, showcasing examples of successful alderwomen.
- Scholars and activists study the impacts of female leadership on community engagement and governance, advocating for more inclusive political practices.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,751, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.