Went to a great event at 92Y this past week, which featured Chelsea Clinton, Republican strategist Nicolle Wallace, EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schrock, and others, who talked about why more women don’t run for office. Check out my post, which ran on The Broad Side, below. Another version was published on genConnect.com.
Below is the version published on The Broad Side; please click on the link at the bottom to see the story in its entirety.
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Who’s getting in our way when it comes to women in elective office? Ourselves, in many cases.
Whether it be doubting that we can win, not wanting to leave our young children at home in the care of others while we’re on the campaign trail or in office, or whether we just don’t think we have what it takes – women are often their own biggest critics.
It’s in our nature to sow feelings of self-doubt, despite the fact that of all people, WE should know better. WE should know that not only can we run for office – and win – but we can literally change history by adding that feminine touch to hot-button policy item and issues that matter most to our communities. After all, don’t most of us hold down demanding jobs while raising kids, making sure school projects and homework are done, keeping the house from looking like a tornado tore through it, attending PTA meetings and soccer practice, and volunteering in our communities, and maintaining family finances?
During an recent event in New York City presented by 92Y and Glamour Magazine, women helping to make inroads in this arena challenged other women to embrace their ambition and not be dissuaded by the critics.
“If you just look at the numbers, it’s not that encouraging, but it IS encouraging … I can tell you, from the feel and the atmosphere and response, there is endless potential for women to be elected in New York City and New York State, in my opinion,” said New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. “I don’t see at all, any evidence, that gender holds us back. I think what holds us back is ourselves. We decide what we can’t do. We decide what we can’t risk.”
What makes us not take that risk? A 2011 American University study notes that men are 60 percent more likely than women to think of themselves as “very qualified” to run for office, whereas women are more than twice as likely as men to rate themselves as “not at all qualified.” Plus, we’re not the gender amped up to jump into the ring and draw blood. Being a target of media scrutiny and criticism isn’t exactly a turn-on to many women.
One of the difficult decisions to make is to “be that target” for people’s criticism, said Amy Holmes, news anchor for GBTV’s Real News at the Blaze, former CNN contributor and speechwriter for former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee. “For women, I think that can be a little more difficult decision than it can for men.”
Men like to put “scalps up on their wall” and enjoy the competition, she added, but “to be a woman in public life certainly is not easy – you have to have a very thick skin and be prepared.”
Sandra Fluke is a woman who has such a thick skin.
