SandeshIndia

Women In Politics

Over 2,000 people packed the Peace Center Monday evening to listen to a former first lady talk about the future of women and politics. Sen. Hillary Clinton (news - web sites) was the guest speaker for Furman University's Riley Institute Conference. She answered a number of questions, including when she thinks a woman will become president of the United States. The focus of the program was the past, present and future of women in local, state and federal government. Clinton's speech was the kick off of the two-day conference. She gave her views on the subject and answered a few questions from the staff and students at the university. One group of women drove all the way from Jefferson City, Tenn., to be part of the program. South Carolina has one of the worst percentages of participation in the political arena, which the university's conference hopes to change. Currently one of 14 women in the Senate, Clinton said more women in office at every level will only make the country stronger. "We must do more to raise the visibility of women in public life," she said, "and encourage more young women and women of all ages to become involved in their communites." Clinton also said she believes the biggest obstacles holding women back are issues of raising money, balancing family, and fear that they may not be good enough." "That is not a fear that affects a lot of men," she added, getting some laughs from the audience. Then came the question about why there hasn't been a woman president --and will there be one soon? Maybe Clinton herself? "A woman will eventually -- I hope sooner than later -- emerge from our system and be elected," she said. "But we are going to have to convince people that whatever vestiges of concern or prejudice that still remain about women in executive positions can be eliminated."

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