"Women, Power and Politics": How Have Women in Politics Changed the U.S. and the World?

I was as surprised as anyone when news broke that Sen. John McCain had chosen Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. I was in the midst of working on "Women, Power and Politics," a special episode of NOW on PBS airing this weekend, and the experience of meeting female political leaders around the world had given me fresh perspectives on what it means to have a woman in office.

During interviews with a new generation of female politicians -- in the U.S., in Chile, in Rwanda, and elsewhere -- it became increasingly clear what they seemed to have in common: They did not want power for power's sake, but to enact policies that would directly improve the lives of other women. And they were doing it.

For me, Palin's nomination raises a significant question: Is a woman candidate always a women's candidate? How would she fight for women's causes? Some of these questions about Palin are addressed in our interactive debate. I actually met and interviewed Palin in a show that aired last month.

With Chile's first elected female president, Michelle Bachelet, the intentions are clear: she legalized divorce, created free pre-kindergarten, brought the morning-after pill to her country, built shelters for abused women, targeted deadbeat dads, cracked down on sexual harassment and is currently trying to pass an equal pay law. In downtown Santiago, Chile, women from all walks of life told me Bachelet's policies were having a positive impact on their lives. As a trailblazer for other women, she was empowering young girls and women, who had learned that they could run for office and win. Some women from this traditionally male-dominated culture even told me that having Bachelet in office changed the relationship dynamics with their husbands at home.

What impressed me about Bachelet was how she has found her own uniquely female voice as president. She shared with me her belief that women can and should find their own style of leadership -- they don't need to act "just like a man" to be taken seriously.

In Rwanda, one of the last places I expected to end up for "Women, Power and Politics," it's surprising to learn that women actually make up nearly half of parliament, putting it in the top tier among nations for the percentage of women in government. In fact, preliminary election results out this week from Rwanda show that it will be the first country where women outnumber men in parliament. The story of how women gained power in Rwanda is inspirational.

After the horrific genocide some 14 years ago, women were brought in to help rewrite the constitution because it was believed that they would be better at the process of reconciliation than men. These women used their power to create concrete changes in policy that would directly impact women's lives for the better. As a result, women can now work without their husbands' permission, inherit property, and created a law, whereby 30 percent of parliamentary positions must be held by women. Imagine half of the U.S. Congress being women!

We witnessed the influence of female Rwandan leaders first hand, when male legislators in parliament wanted to pass a health care bill that female legislators worried would not be beneficial to women. The women flooded onto the floor and literally got into the faces of their male counterparts, pointing their fingers and raising their voices.

The notion of global women in power actually hit me last November during a conference in New York City. More than 100 women political leaders from around the world were there, including the female presidents of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands Antilles; the former president of Latvia; the former prime ministers or presidents of Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada; as well as ministers serving in governments across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Even though I was a women's studies major at Barnard College, and have been surrounded by powerful women my entire life, something felt different in this room. As I scanned the crowd at the Essex Park Hotel, where white men once dominated in the recent past, I couldn't help but feel the sea change.

This change is reflected in a new generation of young, aspirational girls. I wish you could see the determination and ambition I saw in the eyes of students I met at a girls-only high school debate tournament in New York City. As one of them said:

"It's very important for our country to have a woman leader because for a country that preaches so much about equality, I think that we don't offer such equal opportunities within society...why are we still struggling with this issue? Every woman needs to see...a woman be a leader of this country."

We've asked some notable women in power, including Maria Bartiromo, Sherry Lansing, Tina Brown, Ashley Judd, and Maya Angelou for their advice to the next generation of women leaders. Ms. Angelou writes inspirationally:

"...Do little things that make you proud of yourself. If you want to cook, then cook. If you want to start exercising, don't try to walk 10 miles; walk three blocks. If you want to read, take the time to do so. If you want to learn a new language, get a book or audio cassette to help you. You will like yourself more when you have a few victories under your belt. Once you have a few victories under your belt, you will realize that you are worth it. That's how you become powerful, by building yourself up through small victories."

Clearly, Sarah Palin has no issues owning her power. Even those who might disagree with her politics have to give her kudos for stepping onto that stage at the Republican National Convention and giving a powerful, perfectly-delivered speech. She inspired the same feelings in me as when I saw Michelle Obama speaking in New Hampshire back in June. She stood tall, and held it together as cameras followed her every move.

Perhaps, in the year 2009, American women and their daughters will be a little less afraid, and have a little more confidence in the fact that that we can claim power, own it, and govern fairly. No matter who wins in November, it's time to up the ante in gender politics to provide more opportunity and improve the lives of women across the United States.

Comments

[FirstShirt]

"For me, Palin's nomination raises a significant question: Is a woman candidate always a women's candidate? "

I think this is a good question. Was Bill Clinton a good candidate for women?

If women, like blacks, can now be in either party and not be denied access to the highest offices in the country then it seems we have been successful in our affirmative action programs. Discrimination still exists but unlawful discriminiation is a cause of action and seems to not be the critical force it once was.

No, a woman is not always a woman's candidate. And a black man is not always a candidate representing the best interests of blacks. Same for whites, asians, latins, etc.

[bascombe]

women have been sabotaged by people like feinstein, pelosi, boxer and NOW.

[rock2casbah]

Palin has singlehandedly set American women backat least 50 years. Don't belive me Ms. Hinojosa? Just take a peek around the blogesphere at the laughingstock she has made through her clearly undeserved and unworthy selection.

Women don't want to be treated with "deference" or a "preference, or have a lower bar set for them . That is patronizing.

They fight everyday on police forces, military bases, operating rooms, court benches to be given one thing. Equality and the chance to aspire and be the best that they deserve and are qualified to be. No more and no less.

This joke of a selection has set women back 50 years. Because no one in America can truthfully say that a man of the same exact background would ever get anywhere near the teleprompter to even read from since thaat is the sole highlight of her nomination that you deem worthy of praise in the selection of Palin.

Don't even try the Dan Quayle joke because I didn't think anyone could make Dan look like John Adams. The GOP just accomplished that feat with this nomination.

[gintheb]

Please do not insult the real women politicians; democrat and republican alike, by mentioning Sarah Palin in the same breath with them.

[liveandlearn]

gintheb, did you not think that hinojosa damned palin with faint praise?

[JungleRoses]

Hillary Clinton's future will advance women. Palin is NOT in Hillary's league.

[groucho]

I just watched the show last night, Maria is a wonderful interviewer/storyteller/journalist. I'm glad she is getting such good assignments. I learned so much in that short program.

[rock2casbah]

I have watched Ms. Hinojosa for many years now on NOW as well. But she has dropped the ball on equating this Palin women to the furthering of women's issues in America.

She should always know the background and positions of the people she speaks of when equating themr with a possible champion of women causes. Rape victims paying for their own rape kits? Disagreeing with a woman's right to choose even in rape and incest . Equal pay voted down by her Presidential candidate and she not even being versed or allowed to address her stance on the issue. Being allowed to sit out interviews with the press because she must be "deferred" to, as opposed to being treated just like all the other candidates.......and th list goes on and on. IS that a women's candidate or just another woman.

Palin is no more a champion of women issues than Clarence Thomas is a champion of civil rights. The comparison is as insulting to the senses as comparing Thurgood Marshall to Clarence Thomas just because they are both black.

[iswideopen]

Sarah Palin is on a pure "dogmatic" power trip and nothing more. What womens issues? As I said before, with no regrets, in order for any female to be elected president of these United States of America, she must present herself as such, a feminie female with beauty from "within" and NOT ONE OF THE BOYS. That tactic is a total turnoff and will never work. A real woman would want to represent the US in this manner. So far, no one seems to get this; even the females who someday want to acheive this goal. I am a female and would NEVER vote for a female who could not be "her feminine self". The "tough" would be obvious.

[FirstShirt]

"What womens issues? "

Well, I am a man but let me see if I can list some women's issues:

1. ProLife. I heard recently that about 70% of downs syndrome babies are aborted. Life is as precious for the unborn as it is for the conviceted murderer that so many liberals wring their hands over.
2. Rights for disabled children.
3. Ethics reform.
4. Involvement in politics. Her story is a true american story of fighting and winning against long odds. A good model for men and women.
5. Profamily.
6. Defines the female as just as tough as a male but isn't afraid of her femininity. Perhaps that toughness is not attractive to females but men find women who aren't afraid and who are self actualized to be incredibly attractive. But, that's men.

[rock2casbah]

I can tell you are a man. In answer to your points here's a woman's.
1. Pro Choice is a women's issue.
2. She cut the budget for the Special Olympics in her state. She has only been in office 16 months how can you judge what she intends to do except through what she has already done.
3. Helloooooo, did you get the meme Troopergate after only 16 months I repeat 16 months.
4. Governor of 650K is not a comparison of a country of 300 million people. She went to 5 schools to get an undergrad degree in journalism. No advanced degree even George has that much. Actotal of 238,307 votes were cast. of these, 122,625 went to a candidate other than Sarah Palin who got 114,697. 51.5% of Alaskan voters did NOT want Sarah Palin as Governor.
5. Profamily? She didn't even consult with her family before accepting the nod from McCain. She came up with the lie about consulting AFTER all the blowback from women voters who actually have a FAMILY and have never heard of such a thing. Working women have to consult with family for a day out at the hairdresser less known a VP candidacy.
6. Shooting a gun at defenseless animals from the air is not a sign of "toughness". To the contrary being afraid to talk to Katie Couric but she thinks she can handle Putin, Ahmadinajad, Chavez, .........?

[rock2casbah]

Since you say men like her you'd might want to rethink that.

I tracked McCain's polling from the day of her announcement until the RNC and found Independent white male voters moved over to Obama in double digits.

So I don't think they feel that just because a person is attractive and a woman that it is a good basis to entrust your nations sanctity and security to her.

Look at her background in total. You would have to be nuts to even consider this inexperienced, unqualified poser as a legitimate candidate as the leader of the free world. Just ridiculous.

Most other men don't agree and neither does the nation. Her unfavorables are in the negatives which none of the other candidates are. McCain is even at 1. Obama is at 17. Palin -7.

[NABNYC]

We need 50% of all positions to be held by women -- governors, senators, representatives, state legislature, judges, cabinet (in the political sphere), university professors, doctors, lawyers, you name it. The minor progress made by women in the 70s and 80s was to force the professional schools to let women in, and force private industry to hire them. But that doesn't mean it goes any further, and after the first few post-school "babe" years are gone, the women are often stuck into back offices, denied opportunity, denied advancement, denied recognition for their work, until eventually they get fed up and leave. (Although the press continues to proclaim that all the woman around the country who spent 30 years in education and then apprenticeship in a profession just suddenly are overwhelmed by a desire to stay home and bake cookies).

When we have 50% of all the politicians women, gender will no longer be an issue. I wouldn't vote for Palin for dog catcher, meter reader, exterminator -- but that's not because she's a woman, it's because she's not very smart or honest.

[ella52]

Maria: Your show Women, Power and Politics was excellent. I have followed Jeanne Shaheen's career and learning about Chile's president and the situation in Rwanda warmed my heart and filled my soul with hope. Women will be the front line response for this world; educating women alone can drive down the population growth rate, a major factor in all the global problems and one that no one is talking about.
Thanks to you and David B for the outstanding work you have both been doing!

[nobozos]

"They did not want power for power's sake, but to enact policies that would directly improve the lives of other women"

As an addendum, I would add...

"And for their children and grandchildren"

[Lolalabloggera]

I just saw Maria Hinojosa's Women, Power and Politics program on PBS. It was amazing. Brava, Maria!
The USA is so behind the rest of the world in having the cojones to elect women leaders. I'll never stop saying that once the lesser candidate (Obama) won the primaries, he should have chosen the better candidate (Hillary) as VP. Big, big mistake.

[rock2casbah]

Would you be over here crying foul when the rove attack machine unleashed all the dirt laundry they had lined up in the ready on Hill and Bill? J

ust because Obama was too big of a person to unleash it because he has integrity and would never attack a collegue in the party that way. Does not mean we are naive and gullible enough to think that Rove and the rest were not praying that we put her on the ticket. Just foaming at the mouth. So let's be happy and realistic that we have 2 candidates that are well qualified and won't bring the drama and ammo that they were waiting to unleash on Hill and let's help our candidate win..

[ajunger]

Maria Hinojosa is a smart woman with a wide angle vision of planet earth.
I hope to see more of her blogs.
A.Junger