When Sen. Hillary Clinton climbed the political ranks to become the first woman to be a major contender for the U.S. presidential election, the Women’s Studies Program found its next topic of discussion for its Living Archive Series.
In 18 Million Cracks -†Women in Politics 2008, a panel discussion geared toward women’s growing roles in politics, local and state female politicians will voice the challenges they’ve overcome throughout their careers.
Director of the Women’s Studies Program Elizabeth Gregory said Clinton’s prominence was a well-suited anchor point for the lecture.
"Elections were coming up, and there was such a big gender component to them," Gregory said. "Women have an increasing presence in the state and local scene."
Attendees will have the chance to hear from former City Councilwoman Carol Alvarado, candidate for State Representative, District 145; former Republican state Rep. Peggy Hamric; and City Controller Annise Parker.
"The panelists, women who have been active in the scene for a while, will be speaking about how state and local politics have evolved," Gregory said.
Alvarado, who has been active in local politics for 20 years, said she faced gender-specific challenges when she first ran for Houston City Council in 2001.
"If you’re a single female there’s always speculation about your personal life, which has nothing to do with policy," Alvarado said. "It’s a reminder that women still have to work harder and better."?The event will be lead by political consultant Kathryn McNiel. While reserved seating at the panel discussion has been filled, each panel of the Living Archives Series is taped and added to M.D. Anderson Library’s special collections.
Those who wish to sign up on the wait list for the event should call (713) 743-3214.
Admission to the event, which will be held at 7 p.m. tonight at the Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross St., is $5 for the general public and free for students and Friends of the Women’s Studies Program members.
