In the history of the United States only 26 of nearly 2,000 senators and only 190 of the roughly 10,000 representatives have been women. This year, women make up 59 percent of the workforce and 51 percent of the population but only about 20 percent of state and local government officials and only 10 percent of national government officials. To Wilson, the numbers show a de facto bias against women that acts as a deterrent to running for office. All women want to lead, she insists. Phyllis Schlafly, who lost races for Congress from Illinois in 1952 and 1970 but has built great influence on the right through conservative family advocacy, disagrees.
All people don t want to be leaders.
It s only a small percentage of men and women who have the capability and interest. Young Women and Political Leadership two weeks before Barbie for President hit the toy stores. A nationwide survey of people ages 18 to 24 found that fewer than one in 10 young people express intense interest in becoming an elected official. Among young women, those most likely to have an interest in running for office are active in their communities, take leadership roles, expect to finish college in the next four years and have parents who vote regularly. Least likely to aspire to political office are young women who do not have leadership experience or a history of community involvement, are not college-educated, never have been encouraged to run for office and are mothers of young children.