Girls in Western New York high schools received an opportunity to have a one on one conversation with political leaders on Tuesday at the Buffalo History Museum. The event gave teens a chance to ask question about being involved in politics and civic engagement.
Karen King, Executive Director of the Erie Co. Commission on Women stated that, “It Is eminently important that women and young girls have the seat at the table, We are nowhere near gender parity in elected offices, but we are thrilled to have the first female elected governor in New York. We are a long way from parity in elected offices.”
King added that the first Amendment 1st Vote event teaches young girls the importance of getting involved civically. This year, New York State has 10 out of 29 seats in Congress that are women and 2 in the Senate and 27 in the House. The state Legislature has 74 out of 213 seats and had 75 women in 2021 and 67 in 2020.
The event also offered roundtable discussion with female leaders such as Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who stated the meeting was a vital part of creating democracy where every voice is heard. Adding, “I think it speaks well for our future, secondly it’s a good opportunity to remind them of their superpower, and an opportunity to remind them that people that looked like them and looked like me couldn’t vote.”
A few attendees such as Ava Carro stated, “This is just insightful and shows me more how there are women who are carrying out these duties already that i hope to do one day and it is cool to see it in action,” and added that it may inspire them to do more and even become leaders themselves one day.
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