News Summary
Wofford College will host the ‘South Carolina Sister Senators’ for a bipartisan conversation on state politics and women’s leadership on September 29. The event features five lawmakers, both current and former, known for advocating women’s rights across political divides. The discussion will address critical issues impacting women in South Carolina and emphasize the importance of inclusive dialogue and collaboration among women leaders.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The “South Carolina Sister Senators” will be appearing at Wofford College on September 29 to host a bipartisan discussion on state politics and the significance of women’s leadership. The event, titled “A Candid Conversation,” is set to begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Attendees will not need to pre-register to participate in the discussion.
This initiative brings together five lawmakers, both current and former, who strive to advocate for women’s rights regardless of their political affiliations. The participating senators include:
- Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw) – former state senator
- Mia McLeod (I-Richland) – former state senator
- Sandy Senn (R-Charleston) – former state senator
- Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington) – former state senator
- Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton) – current state senator
The discussion is part of a series designed to foster civil discourse by highlighting various political perspectives. The Sister Senators have gained considerable recognition for their efforts in advocacy, particularly exemplified by their recent work in opposing a near-total abortion ban bill in 2023. Their actions led to a successful filibuster against the legislation, which proposed banning abortion from conception with limited exceptions only in cases of rape or incest during the first trimester. The controversial bill was ultimately defeated in the state Senate with a narrow vote of 22-21.
In recognition of their courageous stand against the abortion ban, the Sister Senators were awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2023, honoring their commitment to civil rights and women’s issues in South Carolina.
The event at Wofford College aims to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration among women in leadership positions. With respect to women’s rights and leadership in politics, the Sister Senators will share their experiences and foster discussions on issues that impact women across the state.
Moderating this significant event will be former Representative Rita Allison (R-Spartanburg), who is expected to guide the conversation and perhaps facilitate questions from the audience aimed at the Sister Senators.
As the conversation unfolds, participants can expect to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities that women leaders face in politics and within their communities. The importance of bipartisan efforts in addressing issues vital to women will be a key theme of the discussion.
This upcoming event represents an important step in encouraging greater involvement of women in leadership roles within the political landscape of South Carolina and provides a forum for tackling pivotal discussions around women’s rights and representation.
The discussion promises to be an enlightening experience, accentuating not only the impact of the Sister Senators but also the necessity of inclusive dialogue among varying political sides. The anticipation surrounding the event underscores a growing recognition of the vital roles women play in shaping public policy and governance within the state.
The Wofford College community, along with interested members of the public, are encouraged to attend and engage in this crucial conversation about women’s leadership and influence in South Carolina politics.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina’s Sister Senators to Speak in Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Sister Senators
- Independent Mail: Greenville’s Spiderman and Downtown Batman
- Google Search: South Carolina politics
- Independent Mail: Year After Tropical Storm Helene
- Google Scholar: Women Leadership in Politics
- New York Times: Harris Wofford Dead
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Rights in Politics
- Independent Mail: Anderson County Pool Toddler Death
- Google News: Women’s Leadership Events
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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