Women in Political Power

Aside from voting, women’s participation in the government is crucial. In 1932, Hattie Wyatt Caraway was the first woman to be elected and serve in the US senate. Women’s representation in government is symbolic because it is consistent with the ideals of justice and equality at the heart of representative democracy. (Because women are half of the human population.) Women who serve as political leaders also serve as positive role models for girls and women alike, sometimes leading to greater political engagement because women tend to become interested in politic when they see other women successfully participating in law making.  Furthermore, the female presence in government improves men AND women’s assessments of women’s capabilities. Starting with Madeline Albright (the first woman to hold this position) in 1997, there have been three females to serve as U.S. secretary of state, including Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton.

Increasing women’s political power and representation is consistent in Goal 3 of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, “to promote gender quality and empower women.” Unfortunately, women remain significantly underrepresented in governments throughout the world. On average, women hold 7 to 28 percent of cabinet positions, depending on where you are in the world. Women are typically appointed to positions dealing with family, social affairs, health, education, and women’s issues. As we can assume, this is a result of sexism. Although the offices women hold are often less powerful than others, they put women in positions that they are best able to shape policies which reduce gender inequality and benefit women and families. There is also some evidence of gender stereotypes actually helping women promote their policies because they are credible authorities in regard to these issues.