My Voice: Misogynistic culture in Pierre needs improvement

Recent news stories have brought to light sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse happening in the South Dakota State Legislature. However, these are not new issues. Rather, they are symptoms of the long-standing misogynistic culture in Pierre, and these symptoms are only coming to light as more women feel empowered to speak out. Thank you to the women who have come forward to address these issues, long swept under the rug.

But we still have a long way to go. For every woman willing to speak about her experience being harassed, groped, or raped, many more are unable to share their stories because they fear not being believed or face retaliation from their employers, their school, their party, or in the case of lobbyists, their clients. Anyone who has spent any time at the capitol can corroborate the accounts of inappropriate behavior, from the mild to the more egregious. Those that say otherwise are denying the very real existence of hundreds of their fellow South Dakotans.

I have traveled to Pierre every session since 2009, either as a registered lobbyist or as a concerned citizen. These are conversations that women have – in the halls of the capitol building, over dinner at La Minestra, during phone calls to friends and partners back home. The culture in the legislature needs improvement.

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Moreover, as we can see from the recent revelations coming from women in government, these issues don’t follow party lines. This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans. It’s about women and girls being treated with respect. And where are the statements of those looking to lead our state in 2018? The dismissive attitude of our elected officials regarding these accounts is abhorrent.

Women are currently greatly underrepresented in Pierre, where only one in five legislators is a woman. It is unconscionable to allow a place where things like this can happen without reprieve, and it is further evidence of the corruption plaguing our state. It is imperative to have women participate: to create safety and support for each other simply by being there. We all must hold our elected officials accountable and condemn sexism.

My fear is that women will be discouraged from running for office or from otherwise participating in our democracy after hearing these stories. My hope is that it will embolden them to take action.

There is a simple solution: adding more women to the equation. We founded LEAD (Leaders Engaged and Determined) South Dakota in late 2016 with the intent to engage more women in politics. From voting, to running, to serving, our state will be improved with more women engaging in the process of government. In the past eleven months, LEAD has already trained hundreds of women and men in the basics of activism and navigating the “inside baseball” that is the S.D. Legislature.

As women, we need you to get involved. Visit Pierre as a citizen lobbyist. From AARP to Xcel Energy, many issues and organizations hold lobby days and encourage supporters to spend time speaking with legislators at the capitol. Volunteer for a campaign, call your elected officials, attend a LEAD training, and hold those elected accountable to a higher standard of behavior. All of these pieces fit together to move our state forward and improve the culture of our government. We are grateful to the women who have come before us, clearing the path at their own expense. It is necessary for us to thank them by carrying on.

Read the story on the Argus Leader

ABOUT LEAD SOUTH DAKOTA

LEAD South Dakota is a registered 501c(4) nonprofit.  LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) is a grassroots organization aimed at bringing awareness to issues facing South Dakota, the United States, and abroad. LEAD exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage women to be actively involved in all stages of the political process in order to effect positive change for women and families in South Dakota.

LEAD is not affiliated with any political party or organization. We are welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of race, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or citizenship.