Young Women's Leadership

August 9, 2010

On August 26th, we will celebrate the 90th anniversary of women's suffrage. For ninety years, women have had the right to formally participate in the electoral process. The long, hard-fought battle was waged by an admirable group of women who weren't afraid to challenge the status quo in what appeared to some as an insurmountable fight for equality. And we as a society owe so much to them for their courage and perseverance.

Here we are ninety years later. Women have the right to vote, a woman has been seriously considered as a major party's nominee for president, and we've made progress in electing women to serve in local, county, state, and federal government. But in New Jersey, we've had a total of a mere five women serve in our congressional delegation and not a single woman has represented our state in the U.S. Senate. And we've had one woman serve as Governor of our state. Only one.

In response to these disheartening statistics, I launched the Young Women's Leadership Program, a nonpartisan internship seminar that will engage high school junior and senior women in the political process. Part of the explanation why women are so underrepresented in New Jersey politics is that for too long women simply didn't consider running for public office as an option. Lacking mentors to ignite their interest and encourage these aspirations, often women simply don't know where to turn to begin. While many may have a dim view of politics and politicians, this internship is intended to convince these young women that holding public office is a privilege and there is an implicit contract with the citizens who elect them to accomplish something for the common good. The only way to ensure we can change the culture of politics is by increasing numbers of like-minded people to run for office for the right reasons and not as a means to an end where the goal is to enhance one's personal self-interest.

Throughout the course of the program, these young women will get an in-depth look at what it's like to be a woman in politics. They'll come to the statehouse to observe a voting session, committee hearings and caucuses. They'll interact with my staff and other women who work in politics to understand what they can do if they choose, and they will be offered guidance and support throughout their journey. Perhaps most important, my charge is to convince them that it's worth it to try to make a difference in the world through public service.

We can no longer acquiesce that women simply aren't in positions of power in government in New Jersey and throughout the country. As a woman in politics, I consider it my duty to mentor the next generation of women leaders, and to teach them that with patience, tenacity, perseverance (and perhaps a little luck) they can begin change the world.

In the spirit of those who led the charge for equality ninety years ago, and in hopes of inspiring a new generation of women who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and break glass ceilings, I am pleased to announce the beginning of what I hope will be an ongoing mentorship with a group of talented and intelligent young women.

(Cross-posted on Blue Jersey)