Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in PoliticsCall Number: DVD HQ1236.5.U6 S256 1996
Publication Date: 1996
The host, Ms. Sondra Sugerman, professor of English at St. Mary's University and member of the President's Peace Commission, presents Ms. Maria Berriozabal, former San Antonio City Council member and mayoral candidate, Ms. Helen Dutmer, former San Antonio City Council member, and Ms. Sonia Garcia, professor of political science at St. Mary's University. The presentation covers the following points: women's rights are human rights; the goals of women in positions of power should include equality, development, and peace; the issues with which women involved in the political process are generally concerned -- education, public safety, child care, health care, etc. -- are labelled as 'women's issues'; the money necessary to win elections does not get generated by 'women's issues'; however, women voters now constitute a majority of the electorate and have a slightly higher rate of voter turnout, therefore, the 'gender gap' in voter behavior is likely to begin to result in increased success for women candidates and 'women's issues'; and that it is important to maintain a connection between issues of peace and justice and those of political effectiveness and participation. (70 minutes)