Why do women, in the face of a male-dominated political arena, run for public office?
In the words of Vermont’s only woman governor, there’s three things that inspire a successful politician. First of all, you need a certain amount of restrained anger at wrongs that must be righted. Secondly, you must possess the imagination to see a better future and, most importantly, you must have the optimism to believe the system will respond.
It is with this attitude and her trademark blend of elegant grace and activist fire that Madeline Kunin addressed a crowd of mostly women at the Vermont Studio Center’s Lowe Lecture Hall in Johnson on Monday evening, April 28.
Having just finished a writing residency at the Studio Center, Kunin, who served as Vermont’s governor from 1985-1991, had a lot to talk about. The final product, “Pearls, Politics and Power,” has hit bookshelves, and with it, a critical but optimistic message: women have the opportunity to make their voices heard in the political circle - if they choose to use it.
“I wrote this book to pass the torch to a new generation,” she said. “When I was elected governor in 1984, I thought the floodgates had opened. I thought a parade of people would come marching in behind me. I find myself turning around - and there’s no drum beat.”
The focus of Kunin’s lecture was an inspiring but realistic critique of women in politics today. According to UN figures, she explained, the United States rates 72nd in the world in the percentage of women in the national legislature - 16 percent. As a comparison, Iraq and Afghanistan weigh in at 25 and 27 percent respectively - with Rwanda ranking the highest at 48.8 percent.
“We’re the most democratic, most educated, most liberated country in the world,” she continued, “and we’re still way behind.”
She acknowledged that while it is no longer unusual to see women running for office, the statistics still disproportionately favor men, especially with regards to executive positions like governor, lieutenant governor and the presidency.
But rather than focus exclusively on the male dominated leanings of our society, Kunin emphasized personal responsibility on the part of women in politics, urging them to lend the unique perspective of their gender to the public forum.
“Imagine if we had even a 60-40 situation in the senate - 60 percent men and 40 percent women - and a bill was on the floor to allow paid [maternal] leave. Even if, say 30 men and 30 women voted for the bill, we’d have the majority right there.”
By giving a stronger political voice to the female population, she said, legislation could begin to function better as a means of serving all of our society. While she commended the efforts made for women by men in the political arena, she stressed the idea that women have a unique perspective as members of our communities, as mothers and daughters, and that they should bring that to the table. Issues like rape, breast cancer and maternal rights would be better addressed, she explained.
However, she acknowledged barriers still exist within our culture that impede this kind of engagement, such as the lack of political interest and optimism amongst both men and women.
“We have to help young people make the connection between what’s disturbing them - like the hungry child who can’t concentrate in school - and the socio/political causes. Another big barrier we face is that politics is not seen as an attractive place.”
For Kunin, these barriers are daunting, but not impossible to clear. Kunin herself walked an interesting path into history. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, around the time of Hitler’s rise to power, Kunin’s family fled to the United States. She explained what the move had meant to her, and what she felt was the meaning of the immigrant experience.
“My mother said anything is possible in America. I still believe it’s more true in this country than anywhere else,” she said.
She also explained that women often underestimate their qualifications, even though those in “traditional” roles develop key political skills like networking, organization, and dedication to unselfish causes.
When Kunin was elected to the Vermont state legislature in 1972, two issues called her into action - women’s rights and environmental laws. A strong proponent of both Vermont’s Equal Rights Amendment and Act 250, Kunin explained that much of her motivation to run for office stemmed from her concern for future generations, like her four children - a recurring reason women run for office, she said.
The biggest ally in creating opportunities for women, she said, is support. Throughout her political career, Kunin explained that many people, both men and women, had been there to urge her on, helping out in any way possible. She related stories of friends who took time out of their life to do little things like pick up groceries or take care of little chores while she was busy campaigning.
Kunin also explained that just by seeing women in politics, the next generation of female leaders will take up the call. For Kunin, perhaps the biggest symbol of change for her was the election of Nancy Pelosi as House speaker in Washington.
“Just seeing her up there was like seeing a sign on a tree fort that says ‘girls not allowed’ taken down and replaced with a sign that said ‘girls are welcome.’”