When it comes to Model UN, there seems to be a universal understanding of what makes a great delegate. Chairs look favorably upon outgoing, assertive speakers in moderated caucuses who take charge in their blocs and get as many of their points across as possible. Often times, it seems the delegates who get the best results out of committees are simply those who get the most attention, whether that means delivering impactful speeches or being the leader of the biggest bloc. But as female delegates in such a competitive atmosphere, it seems that can only be achievedby being well-dressed or likeable. Women in MUN are faced with a set of stringent expectations that place a higher value on looks and friendliness than knowledge or experience, putting us at a severe disadvantage to our male counterparts.
The ability to deliver an eloquent speech is undoubtedly one of the most important skills anyone can have in Model United Nations, but female speakers are faced with extra pressures in debate. In an arena where delegates are tasked with coming up with solutions to real-world problems, it seems understandable that someone might empathize with topics as urgent as refugee crises and education inequality, but as women, we are often told that we are dramatic or impassioned if we feel too strongly about an issue. A man who cares has drive and passion, a woman who cares needs to calm down. This can deter us from raising our voices, even when it needs to be heard in a room of 100 people, whereas men who speak loudly are applauded for being assertive. We are all supposed to debate by the same rules, yet for too long, women have faced a whole separate rule book; making sure that we are audible, but not so loud that we are annoying, showing we care about the topic without coming off as overly sensitive, and making sure we look absolutely perfect before getting up in front of the committee. Women are taught that none of these things matter and are insignificant compared to the other aspects of public speaking, but it is easier said than done to ignore the ridiculous expectations given to female delegates by those around them.
Sadly, this isn’t the only way we’re expected to be different from our male counterparts; diplomacy is also where this becomes apparent. Inan unmoderated caucus, it can be difficult to get a point across in a bloc of multiple delegates who all feel their position needs to be heard. Male delegates can easily talk over others and push to get their ideas front and center without any regard for those around them, shifting the focus of the conversation directly to them. This may seem rude or completely unacceptable for a field centered entirely on being diplomatic and respectful, but those traits have different requirements for men than women. In that same bloc, female delegates with just as valid of a position might try to speak up, but risk one of two outcomes:they can either be interrupted again before being completely ignored for the remaining time or labeled as bossy and impatient. Not only is it unfair, it is also completely illogical to have rules of diplomacy in place that do not apply to everyone in the room. So instead many women are forced into the role of Bloc Secretary in order to be considered an active role, forced to write down what the men are saying rather than contribute. Women should not have to overcompensate for being ignored by being excessively nice and energetic to be heard, we should be taken seriously from the very beginning for our knowledge and ability, not our desire to be liked.
Though it can be discouraging to enter a MUN conference and believe we cannot operate on the same terms as the men around us, we are not up against unbeatable odds. Women in the MUN community are the some of the most intelligent, resilient, and qualified out there, butwe just have to learn how to recognize that for ourselves. There is no need to apologize for being passionate or strong; instead, those traits should be viewed as valuable assets that all delegates should aspire to have. Women have the power to change the narrative by serving as our own source of empowerment; lifting each other up, encouraging each other to perform exactly as we like in conferences, and standing up against the restrictions that keep us from reaching our full potential. By identifying issues that exist for female delegates and taking actions to rectify them, we can create the fair, equitable environment for everyone that MUN was intended to be.
Comments