Women lose ground in state posts

[Pale Blue Dot]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/nation/7994866.htm

After making gains in the ranks of state-level policy-makers, the percentage of women holding such positions fell in the last two years, a university research group says.

In 1999, women held 29.8 percent of leadership posts appointed by governors. That number rose to 35 percent in 2001, but then dropped to 32 percent two years later, according to a report released yesterday by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society at the University at Albany.

"The glacial rate of change is discouraging," said Judith Saidel, the study's project director. "Gubernatorial appointees across the country do not look like the people they are serving."

Massachusetts came out on top, with 50 percent of its policy posts in the hands of women. At the other end of the scale was New Hampshire, where 15.2 percent of those jobs were held by women, the center said. New Jersey ranked 19th, with 36 percent of policy posts held by women, and Pennsylvania ranked 33d, with 29 percent.

Thank goodness discrimination is a thing of the past!:eyes:

[spooky3]

1. to say nothing of how little the Congress looks like the people

they are serving, and the fact that even DUers have to oppose including a woman as a Vice Presidential nominee because "the country isn't ready for that."

Yes, we certainly have come a long way, baby.

[Skittles]

5. the gall of people who "aren't ready for that"

like a woman can possibly be worse than what we have already had - what we have NOW.

[thinkingwoman]

2. I wrote a column about this

a couple of weeks ago in my newspaper.

Our "progress" is not what it's touted to be.

[skippysmom]

3. Getting women in positions of power is crucial

if women's issues are ever to be taken seriously.

I'm happy to see Mass was at the top of the list, though!

[demnan]

4. Another thing gone to hell since the chimp was selected

n/t