Women in Politics: Holden Public Policy Forum at Webster University to Highlight the Implications of Women in Leadership

Former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden’s popular series considers private- and public-sector leadership and what the underrepresentation of women means for civic discourse

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 14, 2011 — The Holden Public Policy Forum at Webster University takes on the issue of women in power, a topic with implications for both men and women, at its Wednesday, Feb. 16 Pizza and Politics event.

“We Can Do It: Women in Power” begins at 6 p.m. in the Emerson Library Conference Room, 101 Edgar Rd., on the St. Louis campus of Webster University. Forum events are free and open to the public.

The event will feature an expert panel of local high-profile women, including Debra Hollingsworth, vice president-external affairs at AT&T; Linda Martinez, partner, Bryan Cave LLP and former Mo. Dir. Of Economic Development; and Lyda Krewson, City of St. Louis Alderwoman, Ward 28.

With a topic like women in leadership, current statistics provide context for the discussion. According to the Center for American Women and Politics in 2011, 68 women hold statewide elective executive offices across the country, or 21.6 percent of the 315 available positions. Missouri has just one woman in a statewide elected office, and women account for 23.4 percent of the state legislature seats, a statistic that places Missouri at No. 24 for the proportion of women in these roles, when compared to other states.

“All citizens should care about the issue of women in leadership,” said Forum director and former Mo. Gov. Bob Holden. “The underrepresentation of women in public leadership has implications across public policy decision making. It influences the issues brought to the table and the interests that are represented. We will speak with women who are leading in the private and public sector to examine how our communities can influence and support more women to lead in 2011 Missouri and beyond.”

Event details and the lineup for the season can be found at the Forum’s Web site, http://www.holdenpolicyforum.org.

The Holden Public Policy Forum at Webster University is a nonpartisan speakers series that brings political and private sector public policy leaders to engage with students and citizens.

Media Links

The Holden Public Policy Forum: http://www.holdenpolicyforum.org

Webster University: http://www.webster.edu

Center for American Women and Politics: http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University (www.webster.edu) is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities.

Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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