Why it’s important for a woman to be involved in politics - Helen Hanson - Class of 2010

I think it is important for women to be involved in politics because women are smart and extremely strong. When I say strong, I do not mean it in a physical sense.

Women are strong in that they juggle children, a job, a home and do this every day. It is not easy doing this all at once.

I admire fellow women when I see them not backing down on something that is very important to them. I admire them when they push back for their children, if their children are not getting what they need in school.

I got to see Representative Sharon Treat do this with two lobbyists. They were hounding her, literally dogging her to change her mind on some piece of legislation and she was not budging an inch. It was great to see her being so strong.

To me, that is strength, strength in your beliefs, in your convictions.

More women should be in politics because of that strength they possess. I think many women do not realize their strengths, or if they do, they are worried or afraid to use them. Maybe something happened to them along the way that has scared them a bit.

Emerge is a great place for women to reconnect with their strengths. It is also a great place for women to support and nurture each other when they are contemplating a run for public office. Emerge is a great place for women to gain the tools they need to be successful.

Politics is more than a good ole boys club. Women are strong and smart and have great ideas for making government better. Of course they do, with taking care of a family, a home and a career all at the same time. They make tough decisions and do not back down when they get thrown a curve ball.

Women are strong. That is why they should be involved in politics.

Helen Hanson, Emerge Maine, Class of 2010