As women enter politics, most shy away from the old stereotypes of sex appeal. They try to present themselves simply as politicians. It is understandable since women were denied the full rights of citizenship until the twentieth century.

Margaret Thatcher gained the reputation as the “Iron Lady” – a decidedly non-sexual image. Although I am sure there are some S&M types who could play with that moniker in their fantasies. Hillary Clinton presented herself in a non-feminine way; then again, not many saw her in that role anyway. Sarah Palin is somewhat of an exception, but she has not done anything to overtly present herself as a former beauty queen with political aspirations.

Then there are the women in the Czech Parliament.

Buoyed by free beer, a record election turnout saw 44 women elected to the 200-member Parliament. Some men referred to the suddenly feminine appearance of the parliament as the “Blond Coalition.”

Yes, there is a slight sexist tone to that, but it is Europe where male chauvinism still has some acceptance.

Nevertheless, it is the reaction of many of the newly elected women that makes the men look downright stodgy.

The Czech Republic’s Public Affairs Party has released a calendar with many attractive female politicians featured on its pages. These are not pantsuit or long dress pictures either, but sexy, if not erotic poses. That is not something one would expect from professional politicians.

“Women’s political influence is growing. Why not show we are women who aren’t afraid of being sexy?” says Marketa Reedova, a 42-year-old Prague city councilwoman now running for mayor who also appears in the calendar.

“I thought I would be wearing a suit,” Karolina Peake, a Member of Parliament said. After the photographer began directing her, she said, “I realized I would only be wearing part of it.”

So much for the old boys’ network.

Yet the calendar is only half of it. Shortly after the May 29 elections, Ona, a Czech women’s magazine, put out an online poll to select “Miss Parliament.”

The top six vote-getters were supposed to have a run-off, but I could not find the results for that. The results for the first round are here.

While it cannot be said that any of this is a step forward for women’s rights, there is something notable going on here. Taken with the heavy representation of women in the Czech Parliament, these light-hearted antics are a sign that in some places in the world, women are becoming increasingly confident and comfortable with their status as political leaders and no longer fear the old stereotypes.