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Councilwoman Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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.

Origin of 'councilwoman'

The term 'councilwoman' originated in the early 20th century as a way to refer to women who serve on councils, particularly in local government settings. As more women began to enter the political arena, the term gained popularity to distinguish female council members from their male counterparts. Today, 'councilwoman' is widely used to recognize the important role that women play in governance and decision-making processes at the local level.

See also: councillor, councilman.