Prominent female politicians challenged the idea that women don't belong in politics at a conference Friday morning.
Several dozen students attended the event, entitled "From Penn to Politics," which was organized by the Fox Leadership Program in honor of Women's Week and featured Pennsylvania first lady Judge Marjorie Rendell as the keynote speaker.
Two panels composed of state legislators and lobbyists gathered for the event. Panelists told personal stories of how they first became involved in public affairs and discussed the state of women in politics based on their experiences.
"Men and women get involved in politics for different reasons," State Rep. Cherelle Parker (D-Phila.) said. "When I talk to men in office, they talk about the power they receive from their position. When I talked to women, they say they ran because they were interested in a certain issue."
In her keynote address, Rendell spoke about her career as a Pennsylvania federal judge and gave advice to women interested in public life and politics.
"As women, we need to gather together to be the support group for a woman once she is elected," Rendell said. "We are focused on career and family, and we really don't have time for friends, even though we really need them."
She also addressed the double standard that she said exists in the political arena.
"In politics, women are on a playing field with men trying to get things done. You will be marginalized if you show a sign of weakness," Rendell said. "You need to walk in there with a kind of swagger and play the game. You need to develop a thick skin."
Following the speakers, the event organizers led a discussion on how Penn can encourage young women interested in pursuing careers in public affairs.
"There's always conferences for women in business, so I thought we should have one for women in politics," said event organizer and Wharton and College senior Jennifer Bunn.
She added that "it's never too early to start thinking about running. We need good women from all backgrounds to think about running now."
"I think it's helpful to hear perspectives from women who are currently taking on these political roles in a male-dominated world and changing the stereotypes about them," College junior Brianne Bharkhda said, adding that it is important for Penn students to be involved in issues of this type.
