Oh, No; Another Gap?

Is it just ME, or do you, too, feel women contribute tremendously to politics?

As an American women, I am more than proud of the role women play in politics. Let us not confuse the difference between holding an elected office and influencing politics; they are as different as the right and left wings!

A total of 39 countries have been, or are, headed by women.  In the United States, there are 4 Federal Agencies currently headed by women and a fifth is under review to replace General Petreus as head of the C.I.A.

The claim that women lack political ambition must be qualified.  The so called political gender gap is predicted to continue due to what makes women sound disinterested, disconnected, or just down-right unqualified.   I don’t believe any of these tags can be substantiated.

Let’s look at it from this woman’s point of view, shall we?

Women are, by and large, the head-of-the-household in regard to decision-making on healthcare, spending, education, and parenting.

SO, HOW DO YOU SPELL POLITICS?

Are these not the very facets of daily life on which we vote?  Are these not the day-to-day concerns about which presidential candidates debate and pander for votes?  Is not the vote of the American woman sought by candidates at all levels of government?

I would hazard to guess that similar statements can be made in small towns and countries around the world.  By the way, there are only 6 places in the entire world in which women cannot vote and in 2 of them, men cannot voter either!

So, why do more women not seek elected office?  Interesting  question.

Here’s my hunch:

Women are too focused on getting things done in local communities where results can be seen and felt. 

Women are efficient decision-makers and wouldn’t stand for lengthy meetings that produce no evidence of having mattered.

Women are too busy attending to the details that matter in the  moment. 

Politics was built by boys for boys and continues to be an “olde boys’ club” and women just might have neither the patience nor the need to belong.

Don’t kid yourself, though.  Women play a very contributing role in  politics and what women think matters; it matters very, very much.

Perhaps, the most significant way for every woman to continue to strive to steer the political machine is to find her voice and to use it for what matters to her.  If that means running for an elected office, do it.  

So, IS it just me, or are you, too proud of all women who hold elected offices, who support their partners who hold elected offices, and who show up first and go home last?

Be the change; make a difference