W O M E N I N P O L I T I C SI S I T R E A L LY F O R U S ?

S H O N D A M . H A R R I S - M U H A M M E DM AT H E M AT I C S SP E C I A L I S T, P E T E R S B U R G

S C H O O L SR I C H M O N D P U B L I C S C H O O L S

S C H O O L B O A R D M E M B E R D I ST R I C T S I X

Run Only Like a Girl Can!

Learning Intentions

Know and understand key factors that cause women not to run for political office

Understand why some women are not on the quest for leadership positions

Understand how women can obtain leadership positions just like their male-counterparts

INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY

YOU HAVE 2-4 MINUTES TO PLACE ON A INDEX CARD YOUR BEST TWO QUALITIES AND YOUR TWO WORST QUALITIES

Gender, Women and Democracy

Women must use their talents, voices and passion to implement and see changes

through!

Gender, Women and Democracy

“Every country deserves to have the best possible leader and that means that women have to be given a chance to compete.  If they’re never allowed to compete in the electoral process then the countries are really robbing themselves of a great deal of talent.”– Madeleine K. Albright, NDI Chairman (National Democratic Institute)

Women comprise over 50 percent of the world’s population, however, women continue to be under-represented in the following areas: voters, political leaders and elected officials. Democracy cannot truly deliver for all of its citizens if half of the population remains underrepresented in the political arena and other leadership positions.

Women around the world often face daunting social, economic and political challenges. In order for families and women to be heard, each level of civic and national leadership must recognize that women must be equal partners in the process of democratic development.

Gender, Women and Democracy

Organizations such as the Farm Team and Emerge VA believe that equitable participation of women in politics and government is essential to building and sustaining democracy. Both organizations founded by women, lead by women and created for women desiring to enter into politics, is committed to working with women as partners and participants in political leadership on the local, state and national levels.

She Should Run is a national network committed to advancing women and young women in public leadership. The organization has  worked to dramatically increase women’s representation in public office by identifying and eliminating barriers to success. Our community engages women in public life as citizens, policy advocates, public servants, candidates, appointees, and elected officials.

Women Who Dare to Lead!

http://www.makers.com/madeleine-albrighthttp://www.makers.com/anna-maria-chávez

Barriers that interfere Men Verses Women

Society believes women are not capable of doing the work

Women do not have the desire to run or lead a office

Larry Summers, former President of Harvard suggested women are “inherently less capable”

Some women are less likely to receive encouragement to lead or run for political office

Some women do not view themselves as qualified

Women approaches are different

Structural barriers that hinder women

Gender Equality Expectations of

women are different from men

Men verses Women: a meta-analysis

Men verses Women: a meta-analysis

For women, it is often difficult to be seen and named for positions

Start searching for that “dream job” make yourself known; get out there!

Are companies much more likely to name a male to a leadership position

Women’s own fears hold them back (Derek Willis, New York Times)

Women encounter gender disparities more than men

Women sometimes do not support other women in leadership! Why?

GROUP ACTIVITY

In a group, separate the leadership qualities of men and the leadership qualities of women.

Discuss in your group any similarities and/or differences.

Did you notice any similarities, differences?

The Year of the Woman!

The women elected to the United States Senate in 1992, from left: Patty Murray, Carol Moseley Braun, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer. Barbara Mikulski, center, was elected in 1986.

Today, the Senate looks a lot different. -Five new women were elected to the chamber in 2012, and many female veterans hold leadership positions.- Every single committee has a

woman on it (in 2014)- Dianne Feinstein is chair of the

Intelligence Committee. - Debbie Stabenow is chair of the

Agriculture Committee. - 29 female candidates filed for

U.S Senate elections

Women in Leadership Roles

Sandra Day O’Connor was the first female member of the Supreme Court (President nominated her and the U.S Supreme Court confirmed)

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (appointed by President Bill Clinton)

Justice Sonia Sotamayor (appointed by President Barack Obama)

In 2008, the US ranked 69th worldwide in female leadership

In 2009, the US ranked 71st in worldwide female leadership

In 2010, the US ranked 72nd in worldwide female leadership

In 2012, the US ranked 80th in worldwide female leadership

In 2013, the US ranked 77th in worldwide female leadership

In 2014, the US ranked 84th in worldwide female leadership

The Year of the Woman!

- Every single committee has a woman on it

- Dianne Feinstein is chair of the Intelligence Committee.

- Debbie Stabenow is chair of the Agriculture Committee.

- 29 female candidates filed for U.S Senate elections

Ludmya Bourdeau “Mia” Love: (R-Ut)

Interest in Political Office

Superintendents 2012-2014

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Data Speaks for Itself

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Live YOUR DREAMS!!!!!

Thank you for attending my presentation!!!

LIVE YOUR LIFE LIKE IT IS GOLDEN!!!!JILL SCOTT

Thank you so much for attending!!!

References

http://www1.cuny.edu/portal_ur/content/womens_leadership/women_politics.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/09/a-lot-has-changed-in-congress-since-1992-the-year-of-the-woman/280046/

Scott, E.S. (2001). The leadership stories of two women public school administrators. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Nebraska.

Shakeshaft, C., Brown, G., Irby, B. (2007). Increasing gender equity in educational leadership. Retrieved online 3-16-2015.

Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics: Rutgers University

Firsts for Women in U.S. Politics Worldwide Guide to Women in Politics