Pathways into the Political Arena

The Perspectives of Global Women Leaders

Edited by:
Dionne Rosser-Mims, Troy University
Janet R. McNellis, Holy Family University
Juanita Johnson-Bailey, University of Georgia
Chrys Egan, Salisbury University

Published 2020

As epitomized in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, women in politics may hit a “glass ceiling” or in the case of former U.K. Prime Minister, Theresa May in 2019, go over a “glass cliff”. Even though women are starting to experience more success gaining offices at state and local levels, women’s participation in the political arena is still disproportionately low. This book explores current research findings, development practices, theory, and the lived experience to deliver provocative thinking that enhances leadership knowledge and improves leadership development of women around the world.

CONTENTS
Foreword, Judith S. White. Preface. PART I: HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY FRAMEWORKS. “History is no longer just a chronicle of kings and statesmen, of people who wielded power, but of ordinary women and men engaged in manifold tasks. Women’s history is an assertion that women have a history.” — Toshiko Kishida, Japanese feminist 1862–1901. Transformational Aspects of Political Leadership, Janet McNellis and Linda Haskins. Barriers and Solutions to Increasing the Participation of Women in Political Decision Making: A Transatlantic Comparison, Lora Berg, Brenda Choresi Carter, Corinna Hörst, Matilda Flemming, Danielle Najjar, and Shubhangi Shukla. Women and Power: Exploring the Intersections of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, Karina Gil and Taniko King-Jordan. The Significance of Health Promotions and Work-Life Balance for Women in Politics, Robin Geiger and Linda Haskins. PART II: INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES OF WOMEN POLITICAL LEADERS. “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” — Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia. Women and Political Leadership in Africa, Nancy Annan. Participation of Women In Politics and Leadership in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects, Mike Ushe. Women and Political Leadership in Mali and Niger, Hassana Alidou and Aminata Maiga. The Pathway to Political Leadership: Experiences of Women in Uganda, Joshua Mugambwa, Bernadette Sibetya Naggayi, and Bridget Namubiru. Women With Disabilities and Political Parties in Southern Africa, Tafadzwa Rugoho, Christine Peta, and France Maphosa. Australian Indigenous Women and Political Leadership, Michelle Deshong and Michelle Evans. Women in Politics in Europe: From Good Intentions to Sustainable Change, Claudia de Castro Caldeirinha and Tania Latici. Media Discourses of Women in Politics in Canada, 2011–2017: The Ecstasy and the Agony, Wendy Cukier, Ruby Latif, and Charity-Ann Hannan. PART III: PERSONAL IS POLITICAL—EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN POLITICAL LEADERS. “Whatever title or office we may be privileged to hold, it is what we do that defines who we are ... Each of us must decide what kind of person we want to be—what kind of legacy that we want to pass on.” — Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan. Utah Legislature: Sacrifice, Serendipity, and Service, Rebecca Chavez-Houck. Maryland State Senate: The Oath and the Office, Mary Beth Carozza. Women Mayors in U.S. Cities: Leading Authentically and Ethically, Iris DeLoach Johnson, Melissa Hawthorne, Michael Chikeleze, Melissa Johnsey Seaman, and Emmanuel Clottey. A Mayor’s Tool Box: Berne’s Ego System, Karpman’s Drama Triangle, and Assertiveness Training, Kay Barnes. This Little Piggie Went to Washington: An Analysis of Joni Ernst’s 2014 Campaign and the Gendered Electoral Process, Kristian Spencer and Joan L. Conners. Angela Merkel: Leadership Hausfrau-Style, Matt Qvortrup. About the Authors.