Celebrating Women’s History Month

GOLDEN TRIANGLE AREA, Miss. (WCBI) – March is dedicated to Women’s history.

This month we highlight local female voices in politics.

Now more than ever, women all over the country like Houston Alderwoman Kelly Atkinson are making an impact in politics on the local and national levels.

“In my mind I thought this is my opportunity to show my kids that you can’t just sit around and complain about things if you want to make a difference the changes starts with you,” said Atkinson.

Stennis Center For Public Service Program Director Jennifer Gregory says it can be tough entering a male dominated job field but it’s almost a necessity for women in this state.

“Mississippi in-particular, we’ve never sent a women to congress, we’ve never elected a women governor, and if you combine those two statistics we’re the only state in the country that can say that so we’ve got a little bit of work to do,” said Gregory.

Atkinson was sworn into office for ward one last spring. She hopes by taking this leap it will encourage other young ladies to get involved.

“I feel like your presence is known without you coming to a meeting. I feel like they are seeing you because you’re in the public eye and you’re on the news and you’re doing and you’re doing various things for your community and I think it encourages them to not only run for office but maybe become civically engaged,” said Atkinson.

Talk about the importance of having a female’s voice in politics?

“Being able to work together is going to enhance your entire city and community versus having and all males or an all female board,”said Atkinson.

” In policy making in particular,there is a lack of women at the table making those decisions that largely affect women and families,” said Gregory.

There have been some strides in politics for women, including the last presidential election.

A Rutgers University study shows 71 women hold statewide offices across the country and 106 of the 535 seats in the U.S. Congress.

Gregory says there is room for improvement.

” We’ve seen a lot of interest. We’ve seen a big movement across the country in both political parties but we want to see that interest taken to the next level and see those women get engaged, run for office or even volunteer in their communities, serving on a school board, serving on their chamber of commerce or on a board of commission in their city or counties,” said Gregory.

Mississippi has two women elected in a statewide office, treasurer and agriculture commissioner. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is the second woman to serve in that position.

The Stennis Center is organizing a Southern women in public service conference in April.