LegalReader.com  ·  Legal News, Analysis, & Commentary

News & Politics

Women in Political Office


— November 20, 2018

Law school opens a world of possibilities for careers in many different fields. A career in politics should seriously be considered by women graduates. Representative democracy is about many things of great importance. Government organizes society and ideally runs it to the benefit of all the governed. One of the most important aspects of government about having a government that is responsive to the electorate. It’s also having every voice heard. That’s why having more women in political office is so important.


Law school opens a world of possibilities for careers in many different fields. A career in politics should seriously be considered by women graduates. Representative democracy is about many things of great importance. Government organizes society and ideally runs it to the benefit of all the governed. One of the most important aspects of government about having a government that is responsive to the electorate. It’s also having every voice heard. That’s why having more women in political office is so important.

Women make up half the human population. Women have specific concerns that often require special attention. More than eight in ten women will have at least one child at some point in time. This means they must grapple with issues related to pregnancy and caring for young children as well as recovering after giving birth. These issues are issues that many women want to see addressed in government.

Women legislators can provide insights into issues that affect women. They can come up with solutions that lead to a better, more functional society in which the needs of women and the next generation assume great importance.

Running for Office

All sorts of elective offices exist in the United States. It’s easy to find a list of offices on a political campaign website. Many offices, from local to national, require the person to win the nomination of one of the two major parties. A person may need to first run in a primary. Many women begin their political careers this way. They start with a minor office such as a local city council seat.

Peace flag at women’s rally in Boston, Massachusetts; image by Alice Donovan Rouse, via Unsplash.com.
Peace flag at women’s rally in Boston, Massachusetts; image by Alice Donovan Rouse, via Unsplash.com.

Such small political offices are a good way for women to determine if running for office is right for them. A local political office allows a woman to get to know the basics involved in seeking political office in the United States. This includes meeting residency requirements, speaking directly with people, and creating an effective campaign platform.

Attention to Women’s Issues

While all women have different concerns, most women have something in common. They face increased risks of diseases like breast cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, and uterine cancer that men do not face. Women live longer than men but they also face issues as they age. In general, women save less over time than men. This leaves them vulnerable to poverty as they age. The same is true for younger women who may struggle to pay for the cost of caring for their young children while they work.

Female candidates understand these special concerns in a way that their male counterparts may not. They can direct the spotlight on problems that women face and come up with solutions such as funding for breast cancer research. A woman running for public office also serves another important purpose. She illustrates that it is possible for women to be effective public speakers and take on leadership roles in the community.

Making the World a Better Place

When women run for public office, they demonstrate that women are just as capable as men. They also show little girls that they can do the same. A woman holding public office also helps to illustrate that men and women must have an equal say in how the country is governed. Women also tend to think more about children’s issues such as how to fund education and make sure that every single child has a great education that will prepare them for adult life. As advocates for children, they look for ways to help each child, male and female find their path. Boys who are shown that women can take the same important roles in the community as men learn that girls and women have much to contribute and need to be heard.

Running for office can be very hard. It requires a lot of stamina, the ability to raise funds and the ability to listen to what people have to say about improving their own lives. Ultimately, however, as women do so, they have the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference in their community and the world.

Join the conversation!