Watching Hillary Clinton before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee was an unalloyed joy. Smart, committed, grounded. Values I've admired ever since we first worked together in 1992 on her husband's campaign. In fact, she's the reason I was appointed US Ambassador to Austria, where we brought 170 women leaders from Eastern Europe to exchange strategies with their counterparts in the West. The gains made on behalf of women by Senator Clinton in the Democratic primary will continue with her selection as Secretary of State. The woman who 13 years ago at the UN Conference on Women in Beijing declared unapologetically that "women's rights are human rights" will more than ever stand on a global platform.
It's no surprise that Senator Clinton's nomination by President-elect Obama was greeted by most women with elation. But having a strong showing of women in high places is distinct from addressing the concerns of women as a group. And so many are urging President-elect Obama to re-constitute the White House Office on Women, which was all but dismantled during the Bush administration. With so many decisions made outside of Cabinet meetings, it's important that a strong voice for women's interests be within the purview of the West Wing.
Women's advancement must be a priority for political and policy reasons. We were the deciding demographic during the presidential campaign. We propelled Hillary Clinton to victory in primary after primary; in the general election, we accounted for 56% of the voters who elected Barack Obama. Analysts say that women's role in America's electoral politics is likely to increase. We will play a major role in determining the outcome of the 2010 midterm and the 2012 presidential elections.
As for the policy side, women's general concern for entrepreneurship, family, health, education, and the environment enriches all areas of the President's policy agenda. Given his interest in broad coalitions to back his platform, it's important to note that women as a group have proven exceedingly able to compromise across party lines and forge long-term, sustainable solutions to social problems. And so the question of what structure will best address women's concerns is not a side issue, to be faced once our economy gets back on track or the Middle East achieves equilibrium.
In terms of foreign policy, a critical mass of women's leadership (usually about 30%), is a key to stabilizing war-torn countries and one of the most effective ways to counter the rise of extremism. Senator Barbara Boxer, during an interview on January 13th, discussed the plans of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to form a US Commission on Women's Rights, to be led by the women members of the Committee. The Senate's attention is encouraging, but the Commission must not address women only as victims. Yes, women suffer disproportionately across most cultures, but they must be among the decision-makers determining the solutions to their problems.
Without a clear signal of the importance of their work from the President-elect, many American women leaders and organizations will be frustrated and possibly less engaged in this administration. A highly visible Office on Women will send the signal that our strengths are valued and our struggles acknowledged. A December 16th letter from a broad coalition of women's organizations called upon the President-elect to create a Cabinet-level Office on Women. Others are advocating for a commission devoted to increasing the percentage of women in political life. Whatever differences we have, we agree that the overarching office must be high enough to be integral to the formulation of domestic and foreign policy.
As the majority of the population, women are not just one more constituency among many. Underrepresented in the legislative branch (around 17%), and the same on the Supreme Court (11%), it's all the more important for women to be robustly represented in the executive branch. As a Ugandan friend of mine says about women's rightful role -- "Nothing about us without us."
Norma Ramos, Esq.
Coalition Against Trafficking in Women
Not only is a White House office for women a great idea, but I can think of no one more qualified to fill that post than you.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on 'A Structure to Match the Vision'.
I agree that Hillary is an execellent choice for Secretrary of State.
She's not only smart, she's knowledgable and like President Ellen Johnson Serlief, an excellent role model for women all arround the world. Expecially, the women of Liberia as we strive to attain leadership positions in governance, decision making and the security sectors.
In a nutshell, she is a true fufilment of UNSCR 1325
I think that President Obama should not only reconstitute the office of women but, should make concerted efforts to ensure that atleast 30% of high level positions in his government are filled with women.
It is an established fact that women are better negotiators.
It’s time we begin cultivating the next generation of female leadership in business and government. Establishing an Office for Women at the White House as suggested by Ambassador Hunt could be helpful in supporting college-age American women who seek careers in our government. The college women I teach need this support. Additionally, because of the high cost of attending university, many women are taking time off from college because they lack clarity about their careers and academic choices. In this economic climate, the cost of college is not only increasingly difficult, it is increasingly precious. Opportunities for public and private sector internships and service learning jobs would help many young American women clarify their career aspirations and pave the way for future employment.
Demos, the National Council for Research on Women, the Ms. Foundation for Women, Pax World Mutual Funds, Women Thrive Worldwide, the New York Women's Foundation and the Financial Women's Association are collaborating on a forum at Demos about
"Gender Equality as an Investment Concept" (Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Demos in NYC). They believe the economic stimulus plan must invest in women. Sara Gould, president of the Ms. Foundation for Women, writes, "The plan must include minimum standards for recruitment, employment and retention of women in non-traditional trades including funding for workplace supports like child care and paid sick leave."
I agree with your article regarding Hillary during the confirmation process. I too, am so excited to
have her in the Administration and as Sec. of State, she can put the emphasis on women's issues
here and around the world. My main concern is that we put an end to Human Trafficking and Modern
Day Slavery. With Hillary in the lead, I honestly feel we can create a world that will not allow this to
go on. Congress woman Carolyn Malone has a bill in the works to go after traffickers for tax evasion.
It may be the way to put them out of business.
Innocents at Risk is dedicated to protecting women and children from this horrific evil. We are currently
working with Flight Attendants and training them to act when they see potential victims.
I would love to have the opportunity to talk with you further. When can we meet?
I would be happy to do so anytime.
Best Regards, Deborah
Well, yes, I suppose. The interesting part of these kind of lists is why is that so? Since they have the numbers (and a relatively secure, secret vote) I would like to see some thoughts on just why women don't vote for other women and fix that apparent disparity in numbers vs. public power. I have always thought the idea that things will be very different if women are running things to be pretty hilarious. Madeline Albright recently said at a dinner I attended (and I paraphrase a little) "that people who think the world would be a nicer place if women were running things have clearly forgotten high school". There was a great quote in this week's New Yorker in a review profile of Hannah Arendt where she is criticized for not loving the Jewish people and she says that, no, she does not love any group; only individuals. I welcome the day when these discussions stop being about what group is running things (as though it was some sort of football game - Yay, our team's ahead!) and focusses more on what the individuals running things do when they are in power and then hold them accountable.
With women providing over 50% 0f the workforce, over 50% of childcare and over 50% of the voting population it is nonsensical for women to have so little say in the welfare of the country, its children, elderly and military.
I applaud Hillary Clinton's appointment. It is a auspicious testament to her credentials and leadership and foretells a presidency that reaches beyond politics to substance.
But not now – now you have a chance to prove it and occupy this space and make a path for others. HE Swanee Hunt is right – nothing about us – without us. Women were not in politics and there was nothing about women, so it is women’s job to bring in to politics about women – structures, processes, institutions. But women outside of political offices, from women’s organizations can and should help in every way to women in offices. By such discussions, articles, speeches, data, analysis, etc
37% of Emerge alumnae have run for office, and 50% have won. In 2008 alone, Emerge America had 82 runs and 42 wins. Studies have shown that when women are present in elected bodies, a higher
percentage of "progressive policies" are implemented. Progressive policies are often championed by female leaders, improving public policies in areas such as healthcare, education, and the environment.
A White House Office on Women is needed to collect data and share best practices and promote the inclusion of women at all levels of government and business.
Thank you Ambassador Hunt for continuing to press the issue.
I am so hopeful, with Senator Clinton, working in the White House and of course with President elect Obama, coming into power. Hillary is an inspiration to all people, but to me as a woman....I am so proud of her and the advancement she made for all of us.