Remember the Women

by: HudsonDemocrat

Fri Apr 08, 2011 at 09:55:41 AM EDT

Over the last several months, WPCNJ has been at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness of the status of women as the most under-represented segment of our population.

In her testimony at a redistricting hearing, WPCNJ Democratic Task Force Chair Shari Weiner urged the members of the Commission to "Remember the Women." In light of the adoption of the new Legislative map, the Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey now calls on New Jersey's Democratic and Republican party leaders to heed the same call to "Remember the Women" when making party endorsements for the 2011 legislative elections.

Academic research and real world experience have proven that women legislators make a significant and positive difference. Better laws are passed; civility is restored to the legislative body; and the legislature is more representative of the citizens of New Jersey, more than half of whom are women.

Open seats provide tremendous opportunities for party leaders to unite behind women candidates. I urge state party chairmen Wisniewski and Raia and county party leaders to promote women when making these decisions.

Former Republican Assemblywoman Rose Heck recently said, "Thirty four women serve in the state legislature.  Due to the changes in the legislative map, I fear that incumbent women are in jeopardy of losing their seats through political maneuvering. We cannot let the state go backward!"

We understand Senator Nick Sacco and Senator Paul Sarlo are actively supporting women candidates for their open seats. We commend the Senators for their efforts and we urge others to do the same.

Women should be encouraged and supported in their efforts to enter the world of politics and become elected officials. Political parties can and MUST actively work to remove the barriers to participation.

With power comes responsibility. Parity will not be achieved without a deliberate effort to recruit, train, and advance women. It is incumbent upon leaders to LEAD.

Lisa Mizrahi Kaado
President, Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey