ASUI Senator Hannah Spear said with a push to get more women in elected officials, she brought in four University of Idaho alumni to speak about getting women into government at a panel event Tuesday.
“I think that people who go to the University of Idaho should try and take the skills they learn and put it back into representation of Idahoans in Idaho,” said Spear, organizer of the panel.
The panel was moderated by Spear and Samragyee Gautam, a previous ASUI senator.
Panelist included city councilor Anne Zabala, state Rep. Caroline Nilsson-Troy, state Rep. Sally Toone and state Rep. and Republican Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma. All are UI alums.
“In the history of the U.S., men have continued to be 76% of congress, 71% of state legislatures, 81% of governors and 100% of US presidents over the past 230 years,” Spear said.
The first question asked was about how the panelist thought the number of women in government could be increased.
“I agree that the numbers aren’t where they should be, but Idaho was the fourth state in the nation to emancipate women and women’s voting. We were way ahead,” Nilsson-Troy said. “We’re getting ready to celebrate the hundredth anniversary, but women were voting long before the hundredth anniversary of the women’s vote in Idaho.”
Moderators prepare for giving the next question to the panel.
Kali Nelson | Argonaut
Questions included a wide array of topics including imposter syndrome, why they first decided to run and how students could be involved in politics without running for office.
“We just need to find ways to encourage more women to run and more women to participate, so we’re thrilled that you’re here this evening listening to what we have to say and that we can be inspiring to you,” Nilsson-Troy said.
She said to get more women to run, first asking them to run is a good way to, along with getting women to realize their experiences lend them to excel in politics.
“We were all asked to get into the business. It wasn’t a lifelong goal,” Blanksma said.
Zabala said she has had moments which were discouraging and said there is some perception you have to work through, especially when you’re young.
“I think it’s a very meaningful event. I had a great time last year. Honestly, I keep joking that I’m just waiting to talk about this stuff because I really do want to see better representation,” Zabala said
Toone said one way to get more women involved is to point out the great women in our past.
“We have to continue to encourage all students equally and sometimes stereotypes get in the way,” Toone said.
Kali Nelson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @kalinelson6