I’ve long pondered why more women do not pursue politics. Madeleine Kunin, the first female governor of Vermont, composed an interesting piece on the subject after visiting a Women’s Studies course where female students surprised her by expressing fear of being judged for speaking out. According to Kunin, we may be holding ourselves back by internalizing stereotypes about XX in power and politics:
Many women do not want to venture out into the “opinion world” until they are certain of themselves, the facts, and that they are right. They are afraid of being shot down. The result is often silence.
To be political means to speak out, to risk being called “catty”, or worse. I don’t hear men worrying about whether they may be right or not. They enjoy the fight, whether it is with words or fists. Women still tend to shy away from controversy, to be uncomfortable with competition. Perhaps that is why only 17 percent of the members of Congress are female, and men are still largely running the country.
Read her full thought-provoking article over at HuffPo…
It is written…
Today, March 30, 2009 close to 3:30 pm, President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 into law!
The package includes many important initiatives that oceans folks like me have been working to realize for a very long time including ocean exploration, NOAA undersea research, ocean and coastal mapping integration, the integrated coastal and ocean observation system, federal ocean acidification research and monitoring, coastal and estuarine land conservation, and more!
Congratulations everyone! This is a historic day. The news is encouraging and now we must stay vigilant as there is plenty more to be done.
Finally, on a personal note… After so many years of hard work, this goes out to Sea Grant Fellows past and present, the good folks inhabiting NOAA’s Silver Spring offices, and all the incredible staffers I know working tirelessly on these issues behind the scenes in our nation’s capitol.
In January I shared the Senate victory when S. 22, The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008 passed 73-21. The package includes ocean exploration, NOAA undersea research, ocean and coastal mapping integration, the integrated coastal and ocean observation system*, federal ocean acidification research and monitoring, coastal and estuarine land conservation, and lots more.
Today I’m delighted to add that the House version–H.R. 146–just passed as well meaning it’s all on the cusp of becoming law! Folks, this is as much a bill about the environment as it is about people and our collective future. So you bet I’m excited and encouraged over today’s win… Next stop President Obama!
* hat tip to Senator Snowe for all her terrific work!
“Today Congress confirmed its commitment to realizing the vast potential of ocean science and research,” said Senator Snowe, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmospheres, Fisheries, and Coast Guard. “Oceans make up nearly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface and impact the economy, environment, and culture of the entire global community yet the physical properties and natural systems of the ocean world remain largely a mystery. This legislation will help our country unlock these mysteries by developing a national integrated system of ocean observing efforts that will provide a range of invaluable public services — such as improving our ability to gauge the impact of major disasters and predict ocean and climate trends. I am proud to support these critical programs that will stimulate economic growth and science-based environmental conservation in coastal regions and throughout the nation.”
