We lack female representation in our electoral politics today. The U.S. Congress is currently comprised of 16.8 percent women and our state legislatures 23.6 percent. How does this lack of female participation and gender equality affect the overall agenda of American politics today?
Marianne Williamson believes that the more women we have at the table, the more we can shift from a focus on economics to one that creates real social change. Marianne suggests a fresh approach to politics is necessary, and in my recent interview with her, she outlines her thoughts about our current political system and the need for more women to engage in the process. A new conversation about transformational politics begins with Marianne’s event in Los Angeles, CA on November 10-11th: Sister Giant. Women, Nonviolence and Birthing a New American Politics.
1. Why Sister Giant? Why now?
No matter who wins the election in November, something even more fundamental needs to be addressed in this country than simply the differences between the two parties. We don’t just need new political policies; we need a new politics. We need a new worldview. We need to become more sober stewards of the extraordinary narrative of American history. The most conscious minds are turned off to politics for a reason: it’s mean, toxic, corrupt and so forth. But there’s a conundrum there, if we’re not careful; we can’t just not engage. But we need to engage it in a new way, and Sister Giant is simply part of the emerging conversation
2. What is your intention for Sister Giant?
That people end the weekend feeling an aliveness around the subject of politics that perhaps they hadn’t felt in a long time. That their conscience has been bothered, yes — we have 23.1 child poverty rate in America, among 35 developed nations in the world second only to Romania; we have the highest incarceration rate in the world; and Citizens United is arguably a threat to democracy — but also filled with a sense of new possibility that can’t be found within the current political dialogue
3. Why is it important for women to step up and become involved in the political process?
The U.S. Congress is comprised of fewer than 17 percent women; our State Legislatures are comprised of fewer than 24 percent women. Would our political priorities be the same if there were anywhere near gender equity among our elected representatives? As long as political influence is determined more and more by economic power, where does that leave children? They have no financial leverage, but they are citizens of the United States no more but no less than anyone else. Is it right that their welfare is so consistently and chronically untended to? I believe in my heart that if more women were at the table, then fewer of our children would be suffering.
………Read more on my interview with Marianne on my Forbes column.
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