News Summary
The South Carolina Sister Senators will hold a bipartisan event titled ‘A Candid Conversation’ at Wofford College on September 29, focusing on women’s leadership in state politics. Panelists include current and former female lawmakers advocating for women’s rights and representation. Moderated by former Representative Rita Allison, the discussion aims to foster civil discourse and empower women’s involvement in governance. The Sister Senators, recognized for their stand against restrictive abortion legislation, continue to push for greater female representation in South Carolina’s political landscape.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The South Carolina Sister Senators will host a bipartisan discussion titled “A Candid Conversation” on September 29 at Wofford College. The event, which begins at 6 p.m., aims to address state politics and highlight the importance of women’s leadership in the political arena.
The event will feature a panel of the Sister Senators, consisting of five former and current female lawmakers who have been vocal advocates for women’s rights. The group includes Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Mia McLeod (I-Richland), Sandy Senn (R-Charleston), Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), and Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton). This discussion is part of a broader initiative to foster civil discourse among diverse political voices and encourage the involvement of women in politics.
Doors for the discussion will open at 5:30 p.m. Attendees do not need to pre-register for the event. The discussion will be moderated by former Representative Rita Allison (R-Spartanburg).
Background on the Sister Senators
The Sister Senators are recognized for their groundbreaking efforts in the South Carolina Senate, particularly during the 2023 filibuster against a proposed bill that sought to impose a near-total ban on abortion. This proposed legislation aimed to prohibit abortion from conception, with limited exceptions. The filibuster brought significant attention to the need for women’s representation in political discourse. Despite their efforts, the bill ultimately failed in a close vote of 22-21.
In light of their courageous stand, the Sister Senators received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, acknowledging their commitment to advocacy despite the political risks involved. Their fight against the abortion ban illustrates the challenges faced by women in the political landscape, particularly in South Carolina, which has seen a decline in female representation in its legislature.
The Current State of Female Representation
Women comprise a small fraction of the South Carolina Senate, where only two female state senators remain out of the total 46 seats. The recent elections further highlighted this issue, as it is anticipated that only two women, Margie Bright Matthews and Tameika Isaac Devine, will hold seats in the state Senate moving forward. Many of the Sister Senators, who played a pivotal role in opposing the abortion ban, lost their re-election bids, showcasing the political risks they faced during their tenure.
Gustafson remarked on the long-term implications of the absence of female Republican committee chairs within the Legislature, articulating concerns regarding the representation of women in leadership positions.
Future Initiatives
The Sister Senators have indicated plans to continue their collaboration on initiatives aimed at supporting future women candidates in South Carolina. Their ongoing advocacy is instrumental in addressing the gender imbalance in the state’s political sphere.
Additionally, a documentary titled “Sister Senators,” directed by Emily Harrold, will delve into the senators’ experiences and the strong bond they formed throughout their political careers. The film is expected to highlight the unique challenges and triumphs faced by women in lawmaking, further emphasizing the critical need for female representation in governance.
The upcoming discussion at Wofford College represents a crucial opportunity for engagement and dialogue among various political perspectives, reinforcing the mission of the Sister Senators to empower women in leadership roles within South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Sister Senators Speak in Spartanburg
- CountOn2: Sister Senators Documentary Preview
- Post and Courier: Sister Senators Abortion Ban Documentary
- Variety: Sister Senators Documentary by Emily Harrold
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Senate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Abortion
- NBC News: Sister Senators Warn on Long-Term Damage from Abortion Legislation
- Google Search: Sister Senators South Carolina
- Fitsnews: Fact Check for the Sister Senator
- The State: Opinion on Sister Senators
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
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