OU President David L. Boren, a man with an overflowing agenda, found it important to attend a discussion on women in Oklahoma politics Thursday in Adams Hall.

The Women's Studies program hosted a panel discussion about women's roles in politics as part of a series in honor of Women's History Month. Each woman discussed her position in politics, the environment for women and the importance of women's participation.

"This panel of women represents great progress for your country," Boren said. "As women have come into politics, women have strengthened the understanding of public politics. They have strengthened the understanding and quality of education and children advocacy issues."

Boren said he has seen great progress among women in education and leadership at OU.

Two of the last three UOSA presidents have been women and 22 out of the 30 members of Pe-et over the last three years have been female, Boren said.

"OU has a very diverse and accepting environment and I think we are lucky to be here," UOSA President Chelsea Render said at the conference.

Each panelist had her own story of why and how she got involved in politics.

"I was tired of status quo," said Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada. " I felt we needed the best and the brightest and I'm not saying I'm best and brightest, but golly I know how to work hard."

Sen. Nancy Riley, R-Tulsa, said she was compelled by her life experiences. She faced the death of a spouse, being a single mother, living on welfare, going back to college and being remarried with a blended family.

On political issues, Riley said she feels that she understands more intimately how a bill can affect the public.

Rep. Debbie Blackburn, D-Oklahoma City, said she decided to run after seeing the alternative.

"I never intended to run for office," Blackburn said. "My predecessor decided two weeks before filing he wasn't going to run. I said no right away, but then I saw people come in who just wanted a title and a name. I live in inner-city Oklahoma City. We have unique problems and over my dead body am I going to let these people represent me."

Cindy Rosenthal, associate professor of political science and Norman city councilwoman, said women bring different perspectives and issues to the agenda than men. They are strong advocates of children, families, the poor and the underrepresented, Rosenthal said.

Riley said women multi-task, cope and smooth things over better than men.

"Women are blessed -- yes, blessed, with different experiences than men and deal with it better," Riley said.

Blackburn said she believes women truly make a difference in politics, but women need larger numbers to make that difference apparent.

"I think in Oklahoma there is still a culture that is not pro-female," Blackburn said. "Oklahoma does not tolerate dissident behavior by women. There is a fundamentalist streak that places women below men."

Blackburn said a D.A. told her there had never been a single prosecuted case of spousal abuse, incest or child abuse in the D.A.'s county, even though they had good cases and the ability to prosecute.

Rosenthal said Oklahoma leads the nation in incarceration of women.

"Incarceration goes along way with the idea 'you don't get out of line,'" Blackburn said. "Don't be dissident."

Some women face problems in their own groups and political parties.

Riley is a member of the Republican caucus.

"I have learned in my caucus, you don't talk in public," Riley said. "And if you have a problem, you go to that person and hope they listen."

Unlike politics, women often make the major decisions in the household, Riley said.

"Who holds the checkbook?" Riley said. "Who decides who the baby-sitter is? Who decides what is for dinner? We do."

Paddack, a member of the Democratic caucus, has a different and more positive view of women in politics.

"I don't feel disrespected in my caucus," Paddack said. "I love my caucus and I'm glad to be a part of it."

Riley said she wants to progress in politics on her own merit, but with a level playing field.

"We have the ability," Riley said. "We don't want special treatment. We just want fair treatment."

Boren said that soon, women will no longer be outsiders, but hopefully will provide the same candor and honesty that only outsiders can.

"Gender will always be an issue, but it depends on how you use it. You can use it to your advantage and be a strong female and a strong leader," former UOSA President Mary Millben said.
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