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Women in power: what drives them to lead and what holds them back?

posted Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 10:46am

See more on: Blogs, Colorado, Colorado State of Mind, News & Current Affairs, Women

"I couldn't help but feel a sea change," reads Maria Hinojosa's reporter's notebook, referring to a conference of women leaders in the world, which she attended two years ago.

That observation led Hinojosa, senior correspondent for "NOW on PBS," to prepare a special report, "Women, Power and Politics."

When Hinojosa came to Denver recently, she joined a panel of Colorado women leaders, to talk about what each of them has learned, as they traveled their own paths in the public eye.

There was Dottie Lamm, Colorado's first lady in the 1970s and later a candidate for Congress ...Elbra Wedgeworth, who headed both the Denver City Council and the organizing body which brought the 2008 Democratic National convention to Colorado ... and Kelly Brough, a longtime behind-the-scenes player in the Denver mayor's office, who took over a business-community leadership role this fall, as president of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

The 2008 presidential year saw historic firsts in the rise of Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, to levels not achieved by women before. But that doesn't tell the whole story of American women in prominent national positions, and the United States actually ranks much lower than most countries, in the percentage of women holding office. The reasons for that are many and varied, though Colorado is a beacon in female leadership at the state level. What makes the difference?

That's what these thoughtful women discuss, on "Colorado State of Mind" this week. You'll also hear their advice to younger women who are growing into responsible positions, whether in the public of private sector.

An estimated 51 percent of the U.S. population is female. Does it matter whether women are proportionally represented in government? Is there a specific difference in the style of women and men leaders? Let us know your thoughts.

And join us for "Colorado State of Mind," Friday evening at 7:30.

-Cynthia Hessin, Rocky Mountain PBS

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What's your point of view?

Anita Oswald
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 › 3:53pm
There should be proportional representation mandated by law in government and every aspect of life.

Women leaders are not socially acceptable in the US. Men abhor them and women do not support them.

When I was a girl I tried to run for class President. I was told I couldn't because I was a girl. I ran anyway and when the ballots came in, the teacher withheld some so that I would lose. Not much has changed since 1961. I worked harder and smarter than my male peers, had fewer opportunities and was paid less. Excuses, excuses.

I've been a second class citizen all my life my lifetime. I have worked for change for others but have not been supported in my endeavors. As a strong and capable woman I continue to buck societal prejudice even as I approach my retirement years.

Kathryn Disney
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 › 7:24pm
I feel women have made great strides in the last three decades. I can still remember the bra burning days and I thought they were nuts. But I later realized that sometimes you have to go to extremes in order to get change. I would never put Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin on the same page. There is no comparison. One has done a lot of hard work and been very very smart to get where she has and all the other one has done is put her foot in her mouth. Women still let their emotions get the the way of the work field. They do not support other women in the work field. They would just as likely put them down as help them succeed. Women are their own worst enemy. Practically every women I know has experienced a tryant women boss.

Anita Oswald
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 › 7:28pm
Sexist nonsense. Can you honestly say that all men are wonderful bosses? A bad manager is a bad manager, period. The best, most intelligent manager I ever had was a woman. She was an outstanding mentor and example to all. And our clients thought she was the best.

Janie Van Der Schouw
Tuesday, November 3, 2009 › 9pm
For me, leading is a case by case basis. I'm happy to quietly observe until I see the best path for all with clarity to provide an appropriate roll for every player/ employee, volunteer, then I present my plan and quietly move it through. I've been told I love "everyone" which is how I see things from my side of the fence as well. Vicious or evil behavior defeats itself, be it male or female comitted, so I let that roll off. Leading is natural. Beginners might read "Your Attitude is Showing."

mary
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 › 6:19am
so very true even after all these years---we have progressed some and will keep on gettting better, but you can see it was not through the help of men.....

Gail Kellogg
Monday, November 9, 2009 › 10:17am
Women can of course be good leaders (or bad--just like men can be either.) I believe that that women's lack of a lot of testosterone actually advantages us, in that it helps us seek more rational, selfless solutions and approaches.