Women in Politics Set Example

But in their quest to succeed Sen. Jesse Helms, these candidates have spent less time emphasizing perhaps the only thing that links them all together.

Should Brown, Dole, Fisher or Marshall win the 2002 election, they would become North Carolina's first ever female senator.

Although the candidates' decision to not overly stress their gender is somewhat noticeable, perhaps it is something that should also be applauded.

In making this election more about the issues and less about the sex of the candidates, these four are proving that a woman's decision to enter politics is no longer a cause celebre.

And it shouldn't be.

This year alone, 156 women are vying for congressional and gubernatorial seats, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

Although this figure still pales in comparison to the number of male candidates, it shows that women continue to tear down gender barriers.

And it's not only limited to politics.

Still, there are obstacles left to overcome.

A 2001 survey by the General Accounting Office found that while the number of female managers in top managerial positions has increased over the years, it is still not comparable to that of men.

The survey also highlighted another long-standing issue between men and women: wage disparities.

The survey reported that female managers earned significantly less than their male counterparts.

For example, a full-time female communications manager earned only 73 cents for every dollar made by her male equal.

While the disparities highlighted by the survey are significant, they represent only a small percentage of the issues facing women.

Employment concerns, compounded by an unnecessary double standard that society places on men and women, have long been causes for concern.

Over the years, many organizations have formed to promote women's issues, including the National Organization for Women.

The legacies of these organizations continue today through groups like the Ms. Foundation for Women.

Next Thursday, the Ms. Foundation will celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of its flagship programs, Take Our Daughters to Work Day.

The event, held on the fourth Thursday in April, encourages adults to take their daughters or other girls to work with them for the day.

By exposing girls to various jobs, the program hopes to boost their confidence and self-esteem throughout their adolescent and adult lives.

As a six-year participant in Take Our Daughters to Work Day, I can attest to what impact the program has had on me personally.

Spending time with those six successful women helped to erase the negative stereotypes that, unfortunately, continue to plague women and that are promoted not only in the media but also in our day-to-day interactions with each other.

As a college sophomore, I still look up to women who continue to break through glass ceilings and show that your gender should not stop you from pursuing your ambitions.

There is no doubt in my mind that the candidacies of Brown, Dole, Fisher and Marshall will similarly encourage other women and girls to follow in their footsteps and pursue a career in politics.

Although it will be months before we know the election's outcome, I would not be surprised to see the number of female candidates in future state elections increase.

So while these candidates are not raising a big fuss about the fact that they are women, their gender is nonetheless still worth noting.

Maybe not as a cause celebre.

But perhaps more as vindication that things are continuing to change.

Columnist April Bethea can be reached at adbethea@email.unc.edu.