Why Vote? SC ranks 50th and the US ranks a stunning 85th ...

Nine Reasons Women Need to Vote this Election Day

Let's get out and prove the pollsters wrong.

"In light of the fact that I have dedicated my career to helping guide girls and women to find and use their voices, the mere thought that any of us would not exercise our hard-earned right to vote makes me crazy," says Anea Bogue, a professional empowerment counselor. And she's not alone! Simply stated: men's voices are not women's voices and thus cannot speak for everyone. Bogue expressed alarm at recent New York Times and CNN polls suggesting that fewer women than usual, in large part out of their frustration, will turn out to vote for the Nov. 2 midterm elections. Don't stay home!! Read all nine reasons online Read all nine reasons online>>

Sexist insults hurt female politicians

Calling a female candidate such sexist names as "ice queen" and "mean girl" significantly undercuts her political standing, a new study of voter attitudes finds, doing more harm than gender-neutral criticism based solely on her policy positions and actions. A study sponsored by Women's Media Center, the WCF Foundation and Political Parity said the advice often given to women -- to ignore the attacks rather than risk giving them more attention or legitimacy -- turns out to be wrong. In the study, responding directly helped the female candidate regain lost ground and cost her opponent support. Read more>>

Why did so many women run in 2010?

Gone are the days when women were forced to don boxy pantsuits and mask their femininity to make it onto the political main stage. In the 2010 election cycle we've been treated to an exceptionally wide range of candidates - from Mama Grizzlies like Sharon Angle, to CEO powerhouses like Carly Fiorina, to Facebook-vixen-turned-businesswoman Krystal Ball. More women than ever are putting themselves out there for public office.Read the entire article>>

Ending the 'hot or not' factor for Nikki Haley and other female candidates

Sexist attitudes in the media toward female candidates don't just hurt women, they hurt all of us - lowering public discourse. American women hold twelve percent of governor's seats and make up seventeen percent of Congress. If these numbers sound low, that's because they are. The United States ranks a stunning 85 in the world in women's parliamentary representation. No matter which side of the aisle prevails in the upcoming mid-term elections, both sides can agree the US needs to draw on one hundred percent of its citizens' talents to meet our huge challenges. Read more>>

The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics thanks you for your support and commitment during this election cycle. Show your support by voting on Tuesday and participating in the political process.

A partner in the Ready to Run (TM) National Training Network, a project of the Center for American Women and Politics.

The Institute is a non-partisan, issue-neutral 501(c)(3) corporation established in the State of South Carolina and chartered by the Internal Revenue Service. It is the only 501(c)(3) chartered by the IRS for its mission within the southeastern United States. All contributions are tax deductible.