On Friday, December 2 in Hofstra’s Monroe Lecture Hall, U.S Senator of New York, Kirsten Gillibrand, along with a panel of other female officials, hosted a discussion on the importance of women leaders. The panel discussion was the start of Lifetime’s “Every Woman Counts” campaign, encouraging women to let their voices be heard by voting, running and winning elections.
“One of the biggest deterrents when it comes to women running for office is thinking they are not qualified,” said Gillibrand. She believes the idea of women lacking qualifications to hold office is pervasive in men and women, both inside and outside of government. She also expressed a concern that many people consider women too emotional and sensitive to run for and hold office. These stigmas result in a lack of confidence which keep many qualified women candidates from running for office.
“Many of us have the passion and drive inside and we have to let it out,” said Panelist Geri Barish, founder and president of the 1 in 9 Foundation. She described an experience when she traveled to Washington DC and “knocked on all doors” until someone listened to her story about issues with health care insurance. “If you are forceful in the right way, you will figure out a way to get your message across,” added panelist Sam Bennett, president of the Women’s Campaign Forum who shared a similar experience.
“We bring in a whole other perspective,” said Gillibrand. Instead of downplaying the ideas of women, they should be recognized as equal but varied. “Women are so good at figuring it out, whatever the challenge is.” These uplifting and empowering words brought applause throughout the entire theater.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” said panelist Tiffany Dufu, president of The White House Project. “We need more women in office to bring more women into office.” Her message was that we succeed even when we fail because people get used to women running for office. Michele Bachmann, U.S representative from Minnesota, and candidate for president in the 2012 election, is another example of current and future female leaders.
Hofstra’s own Student Government Association (SGA) cabinet currently has seven men and four women in office. In last year’s election, two women ran for office (one for president and one for vice president) but lost to men. The panelist suggested tips that would aid in the advancement of women leaders and that would be of help to many Hofstra students. Dufu advised no matter what position you are interested in running for, whether it is a local organization or President of the United States, it is imperative to get your name out there. Attend events, show up to meetings, write letters, and do whatever it takes for your voice to be heard.
“We are all in this together,” said Barish. “We as women only lose if we don’t run,” added Gillibrand. With these final words, the panelists and audience agreed that in order for women leaders to gain ground in regard to elected positions, we must try otherwise we fail before we even begin.