What’s it like to be a woman legislator and candidate in Georgia these days?
On April 29, 2022, Her Term hosted its inaugural Women in Politics Roundtable. True to our mission to encourage, elevate and equip female candidates to run and win, Executive Director Han Pham convened a group of experienced legislators with first-time candidates and some supporters for 90 minutes of powerful, authentic discussion. This cohort of motivated, sharp (and caffeinated) women wasted no time getting to an exchange of real talk including uncomfortable examples of the difficulties women face when running and serving in Georgia politics.
In addition to 14 other candidates in attendance, Michelle Au, Elena Parent, and Park Cannon graciously shared their inspiring paths to office and then candidly answered Han’s questions. The group covered topics like the persistent stereotypical expectations and treatment of women in politics (as well as the intersection of being a woman and a minority), the conundrum of work/life balance (it’s a fiction), and the Georgia Assembly’s out-of-touch, paltry salary (especially unworkable and challenging, given the amount of hours spent earnestly representing constituents).
The three experienced and public-facing panelists addressed another raw topic: the occasional need for security detail because of death threats. Did you know there are no government funds allotted for security detail to protect legislators receiving death threats relating to their legislative work? So, when our lawmakers take a controversial stance in their constituents’ interests, they must use their own campaign funds to cover the expense of protecting themselves and their
families. These funds are already stretched thin to pay for adequate and talented staffing to run a successful campaign. And our panelists taught us when they fight for us in office, they have to cover the physical risks to themselves to do so!
Her Term is already planning for the next roundtable breakfast. This essential community provides a unique collective to support and prepare our women in politics for successful campaigns and effective legislating. Real talk for now and coalition building for the future.
Because we know when she wins, everyone does.
