Women in Politics Share Their Experience

The current political climate has motivated many to take an interest in possibly running for office and a Sioux Falls organization is helping people take the first step.

According to the organization, “LEAD” or ‘Leaders Engaged and Determined’, only 13 percent of women in South Dakota hold a seat in the state house and only 5 percent of women make up the senate.

Photograph courtesy of KDLT

LEAD is hoping to change those numbers by sharing the stories of those who have held a seat in politics. Saturday afternoon, men and women packed the Sioux Falls Design Center, to listen to former state legislators and a school board member.

The organization says their hope is that other women will be encouraged to run by hearing the experiences of those who are just like them.

“We know statically that when women win the country wins. So having more women in the legislature means more women-friendly legislation gets passed. We know that women do such an incredible job, but they are not represented equally in elected office. So that’s something we are hoping to increase, “says Co-Founder of LEAD South Dakota, Carmen Toft.

Kate Parker is one of two women on the Sioux Falls school board. Her hope is that one day the number of women and men will be equal in roles held in the office.

“We have a certain voice, and to be able to express our opinions and to support the people of our community, I think is really important. If we can have a more balanced legislature, I think that would be fantastic, “says Sioux Falls School Board member, Kate Parker.

Two of the panelist expressed that they were not sure if they will run for office again, but Parker, says she is considering a city council run in the future.

Read on KDLT

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.