"Guide to Political Disinterest: Empowering Tomorrow's Female Politicians"
In the lead-up to the municipal elections this fall and the provincial election of 2026, journalist Alexandre Duval and Les Radios à Roulettes have released a thought-provoking podcast titled "Political Disengagement". This five-episode series focuses on the experiences of six women who have left political engagement, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by female politicians in Quebec.
The podcast aims to shed light on the obstacles that women in politics encounter, including underutilization by their party, sexism, double standards in the media, and a grueling work-life balance. It also delves into the more personal struggles that these politicians face, providing an opportunity for them to confide in their experiences while in office.
The women interviewed include MarieChantal Chassé, a former minister, who discusses her feelings of being "crucified" after being thrown into the media without preparation. Other interviewees include Liza Frulla, Catherine Dorion, Émilise Lessard-Therrien, Agnès Maltais, and Isabelle Lessard, the young mayor of Chapais.
The municipal sphere is particularly tough for women in Quebec, who are more likely to face harassment or verbal violence. This reality is further highlighted in a report commissioned by the Women's Committee of the National Assembly's Former Parliamentarians, which concluded that female politicians were leaving the field due to these issues.
The aim of the podcast is to develop a culture of respect towards politicians by making people aware of the obstacles they face. It also seeks to help future politicians, especially women, prepare for the challenges of politics. Alexandre Duval noticed that inexperienced women politicians often feel disoriented by the reality of politics and aims to present a faithful representation of the diversity of experiences in politics.
The podcast is not just a platform for discussion, but also a means to empower and encourage more women to engage and succeed in political careers. It does this by sharing personal stories, providing insights, and offering practical advice relevant to female politicians.
The author of the essay Obsession: Elections! sees the podcast as a way to demystify political work and make it more understandable to the general public. If you're interested in learning more about the specific content of each episode, we recommend checking Alexandre Duval's official platforms or podcast distribution channels.
- The podcast "Political Disengagement" by Alexandre Duval and Les Radios à Roulettes aims to create a culture of respect towards politicians, highlighting the obstacles they face, particularly women, including underutilization by their party, sexism, double standards in the media, grueling work-life balance, and personal struggles.
- The municipal sphere in Quebec is especially challenging for women, who are more likely to face harassment or verbal violence, as concluded in a report commissioned by the Women's Committee of the National Assembly's Former Parliamentarians.
- The podcast also seeks to empower and encourage more women to engage and succeed in political careers, sharing personal stories, providing insights, and offering practical advice relevant to female politicians.
- Alexandre Duval's podcast, "Political Disengagement," can serve as a tool to demystify political work, making it more understandable to the general public, according to the author of the essay Obsession: Elections!.
