COLUMBIA, S.C. – Women Empowered at Candidate Meet-and-Greet
In a vivid display of civic engagement, women across Columbia and surrounding areas gathered for a special meet and greet focused on connecting with female candidates for the upcoming elections. This inspiring event highlighted not just the candidates, but also the power of women voters who are making their voices heard in ways that matter.
According to data from the State Election Commission, women’s participation in the February Presidential Primaries in the Midlands has surpassed that of men in at least four counties. This trend has sparked enthusiasm among female voters eager to know more about the women vying for their votes.
Voters Seeking Knowledge and Connection
The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as attendees like Trinessa Kirby shared, “Let me hear what they have to say, who wants my vote?” For many, this event was a golden opportunity to personally meet candidates who resonate with their experiences and values.
Another participant, Kahlia Aposhian, expressed her motivation for attending. “I found out about Women in Leadership through LinkedIn through a colleague of mine, and then through their newsletter I learned about this event. It was perfect because I definitely wanted to really do my part to be more civically engaged and find out what’s going on in our communities and our counties.”
This desire to connect and understand goes hand-in-hand with the broader trend of women taking an active role in politics. Recent data indicates that not only did more women participate in the primaries, but since January of this year, more women than men have registered to vote in both Lexington and Richland counties. This shows a significant shift towards women’s increased involvement in the electoral process.
The Importance of Women’s Representation
“Women are 51% of the population in South Carolina, and their opinions and perspectives need to be represented in the legislation that affects all of us,” said executive director of South Carolina Women in Leadership, Sara Ballard. This statement encapsulates the need for women’s voices to be amplified in political discussions and decision-making processes.
The event featured over 20 women candidates running for various positions, including school board, county council, and the state house of representatives. Just knowing that so many women are stepping up to lead is heartening for those attending.
Progress and Future Goals
Despite the progress made in representation, there’s still a long way to go. Attendee Shannon Polvi pointed out, “Our last study said that women constituted about 22% of the judges in South Carolina. We’ve moved it by 1% to 23%. That’s progress, obviously, but it’s not the progress that we want to see reflected in the general populace that we have in South Carolina.”
This sentiment of striving for better representation is echoed throughout the community, fostering a spirit of collective action and awareness. The organization that hosted the event, South Carolina Women in Leadership, focuses on empowering women through training, networking, and the resources needed to foster leadership. Their collective goal is to encourage more women to seek roles in governance and community leadership.
Looking Ahead
As Election Day approaches, this gathering may be one of the last chances for voters to connect with candidates in person. However, South Carolina Women in Leadership assured participants that voting and candidate information will remain available on their website, ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to make informed decisions.
This event not only showcased the growing influence of women in South Carolina politics but also created a space where community members could engage, ask questions, and feel empowered in their voting choices. The future looks promising, and the voices of women are becoming increasingly crucial in shaping the landscape of governance in South Carolina.
