Councilwoman: meaning, definitions and examples

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councilwoman

 

[ˈkaʊn.səl.wʊm.ən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

government

A woman who is a member of a council, especially a city council.

Synonyms

alderwoman, board member, councillor, selectwoman.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
councilwoman

Used to refer to a female member of a city or local government council.

  • The councilwoman proposed a new recycling program.
  • Residents can address their concerns to the councilwoman during the town hall meeting.
councillor

A gender-neutral term commonly used in the UK and Canada for individuals who are members of a city or local council.

  • The councillor introduced a motion to increase public transportation funding.
  • Local residents had the opportunity to express their concerns to the councillor.
alderwoman

Commonly used in some regions, especially in the Midwest and Southern United States, to denote a female member of a city council, particularly in smaller towns or cities.

  • The alderwoman led the discussion on local zoning laws.
  • An alderwoman's role includes addressing community issues and representing her constituents.
selectwoman

Primarily used in New England, USA, to identify a female member of the board of selectmen, a governing body found in certain towns.

  • The selectwoman attended the town meeting to discuss the budget.
  • Residents can reach out to the selectwoman with any local issues.
board member

A general term used for individuals, regardless of gender, serving on the board of directors of an organization, company, or institution.

  • The board member suggested new strategies to improve the company's financial health.
  • During the meeting, each board member provided a report on their assigned areas.

Examples of usage

  • She was elected as the first councilwoman in the city's history.
  • The councilwoman proposed a new bill to improve public transportation.
  • The councilwoman has been advocating for better education policies in the city.
  • The councilwoman is known for her commitment to environmental protection.
  • The councilwoman is responsible for representing the interests of her constituents.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • In the early 20th century, women began gaining the right to vote and participate in local government roles, leading to more councilwomen being elected.
  • The term 'councilwoman' reflects the growing recognition of women's leadership roles in civic affairs.
  • The first women to serve on city councils in the U.S. were often pioneers in their communities, fighting for suffrage and equality.

Political Significance

  • Having female representatives in local governments can lead to more diverse perspectives on issues like education, health care, and family services.
  • Research suggests that women in government tend to prioritize community and social welfare initiatives, impacting local policy positively.
  • Councilwomen often serve as role models, encouraging younger generations of girls to engage in politics and public service.

Cultural Impact

  • Television shows and movies have increasingly included strong female political characters, raising awareness of women's roles in government.
  • In many cultures, the presence of female leaders in local councils reflects broader movements for gender equality and empowerment.
  • Art and literature often celebrate the successes and challenges of women in politics, providing narratives that inspire activism and engagement.

Contemporary Issues

  • Councilwomen today face challenges regarding representation and equality within predominantly male political environments.
  • Efforts are ongoing to increase the number of women in local government, as many advocacy groups focus on training and supporting female candidates.
  • Social media has become a platform for councilwomen to engage with constituents and advocate for their communities directly.

Translations

Translations of the word "councilwoman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vereadora

🇮🇳 महिला पार्षद

🇩🇪 Rätin

🇮🇩 anggota dewan wanita

🇺🇦 рада жінка

🇵🇱 radna

🇯🇵 女性市議会議員 (じょせいしぎかいぎいん)

🇫🇷 conseillère municipale

🇪🇸 concejal

🇹🇷 kadın meclis üyesi

🇰🇷 여성 시의원 (yeoseong si-uiwon)

🇸🇦 عضوة مجلس البلدية

🇨🇿 radní žena

🇸🇰 radná žena

🇨🇳 女议员 (nǚ yìyuán)

🇸🇮 svetnica

🇮🇸 ráðskona

🇰🇿 әйел кеңесші

🇬🇪 ქალთა საბჭოს წევრი

🇦🇿 qadın məclis üzvü

🇲🇽 concejal