Against this backdrop, the Stennis Center for Public Service decided five years ago that one of the best ways to fulfill its mission of strengthening public service in America is to increase the impact and participation of women in government, particularly in the South. This event has grown into the largest annual gathering of women political leaders from the South. Both the 1994 conference in Tampa, Florida and the 1995 conference in Atlanta, Georgia attracted nearly 400 women from across the South. The goals of the conference are concerned more with quality than equality. More women are needed in positions where important government decisions are being made so the decisions will be better, more thoughtful, and more reflective of the whole American community.
Women bring unique perspectives and skills to government which can positively impact all citizens.
There is a great deal of discussion these days about how government can be reinvented to produce better results with greater efficiency. We believe a major component of the reinvention effort should be an increase in the number of women contributing to the key decision making processes of government. Keynote speakers underscored the need for women to become more politically active. Statistics show women are just as successful as men when running for an open seat. It brings together women from both political parties and from many diverse backgrounds to look for ways to improve government's capacity and performance.