News
Rally cry is on for women in politics
COLUMBIA -- Last week, GOP State Rep. Nikki Haley's campaign for governor picked up plenty of additional press when she was joined on the trail by former South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford and former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Pictures of the three women stumping together were a sight for sore eyes for those who want to see more women involved in politics.
The push to get more women into South Carolina politics is in full swing, according to Donna Dewitt, chairperson of the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics. She claims 2010 is shaping up as a strong year for female politicians ‘sitting around the table.'
Currently, the Palmetto State ranks last nationally with the fewest number of women serving in the world of politics.
"Only three women in South Carolina history have been elected to state-wide offices," Dewitt said, referring to former Lt. Governor Nancy Stevenson and Barbara Nielson and Inez Tennebaum, both of whom served as state superintendent of education.
Dewitt said with women being 51 percent of the state's population, more of them need to be in political office.
"There isn't just a gender gap in South Carolina politics, there is a grand canyon," Dewitt said.
"Women are multi-taskers. Women add a whole new perspective to issues," she said, adding that a female's perspective on the value of tax dollars and education are true power points.
"Breaking it down to basics, a woman will spend extra time trying to find savings at a store and in office," she said. "They are masters of their craft and are patient. They offer a fresh perspective and their innate instinct with children, especially when it comes to education, is unsurpassed."
A study done by Rutgers University found that women in Congress took nearly 9 percent more money back to their districts than male members.
Nationally, in 2010, there are six women running for seats in the House of Representatives, one for the Senate, five for state offices, including governor, and 30 women running for state house seats.
"The mentality of ‘women shouldn't be anywhere but the home' is still alive and well," she added. "And not just from the men. Many southern women still believe this. Our message to them is that women can serve our people and absolutely should. We want to empower them.
"We need more women in South Carolina politics, bottom line."
By JESSICA SIBLEY
The Journal