Enterprising Women

The Last Word
Women Wanted!

BY DEBORAH CARSTENS

n 2002, one of every 18 women was a business owner. How many women chaired committees in the U.S. House of Representatives? Zero.

Other than your internal operations, nothing affects your business more than the U.S. Congress. Yet, 25 states currently have no female representation in Congress at all, let alone women chairing important committees that craft legislation impacting your industry.

America has gender-lopsided political representation. Of 50 governors, only six are women. Of 100 U.S. senators, only 14 are women. Of 435 members in the House of Representatives, only 59 are women.

To increase these numbers, we business owners must be pro-active, as our political system favors incumbents, not challengers. Those currently in power, primarily white men, have huge advantages over challengers.

The easiest way to gain political clout is to do an end run on the current male power brokers and elect women. Fortunately, there are two powerful national organizations whose very mission is to identify, train and elect women to all levels of political office.

The WISH List (Republican) and EMILY's List (Democrat) are both membership organizations that have no meetings, but instead rely on the Internet and mail to introduce you to rising female stars in the political arena. The number of women serving in state legislatures has increased more than five-fold since 1969 largely due to the efforts of these organizations.

For only $100 a year, you can join one of these organizations on-line and help give women a seat at the table in the U.S. Congress. Corporate checks accepted.

DEBORAH CARSTENS is a political activist, philanthropist, and business owner. She serves on the national Board of Directors of The WISH List and was responsible for establishing the organization in Arizona. Carstens can be contacted at 602-522-9333 (e-mail: deb@gunslinger-az.com).

(Editor's Note: This article previously appeared in the Women Presidents' Organization newsletter.)

(This article is reprinted from the Winter 2003 edition of Enterprising Women magazine. Copyright 2002 Enterprising Women Inc. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited, except by permission of the publisher.)

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