An increased presence of women in government has been associated with a number of benefits, from improved confidence in democratic institutions to greater public spending on health and education. Here’s some advice for women who want to get into politics.
Find a cause and start local
Reflect on the problems that affect your community and how you could fix them if you were in government. Even if you don’t run for office right away, identifying causes you care about will give you the drive you need to pursue a career in public life. Additionally, this will help you identify where you should direct your efforts to have the most impact. Consider different levels of government, school boards or lobbying groups.
Get to know the people and the process
Volunteering for a political campaign or working for an elected official is a great way to gain practical skills and learn the ropes. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to interact with people from all walks of life, hear their concerns and familiarize yourself with the issues that matter most to the community.
Avoid lingering on the sidelines
You don’t have to wait until you’re the “perfect” candidate to run for public office. If you have decent public speaking skills and a passion for making a positive difference in your community, you can have a real impact. Besides, the best public servants are those who continuously learn from their constituents and colleagues.
Finally, women who are successful in politics don’t go it alone. Find a mentor, reach out to family and friends for support, and get assistance from organizations that offer training and advice.
