News Summary
The South Carolina Sister Senators will visit Wofford College for a discussion on women’s leadership and state politics. The event, open to the public, aims to inspire future female leaders and address challenges faced by women in politics. Notable senators will share insights on their experiences and advocacy efforts, including their recent accomplishments in promoting women’s rights in South Carolina’s legislature.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The South Carolina Sister Senators are set to visit Wofford College on September 29 for a bipartisan discussion centered on state politics and the importance of women’s leadership in the legislative process. The event begins at 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., and attendees do not need to pre-register to participate.
The Sister Senators group includes influential figures like former and current lawmakers Penry Gustafson (R-Kershaw), Mia McLeod (I-Richland), Sandy Senn (R-Charleston), Katrina Shealy (R-Lexington), and sitting state senator Margie Bright Matthews (D-Colleton). Former Representative Rita Allison (R-Spartanburg) will moderate the discussion.
This event is part of the “A Candid Conversation” series, which aims to foster civil discourse and collaboration through diverse political perspectives. The Sister Senators are recognized for their efforts to promote women’s issues in South Carolina’s legislature, where female representation is notably low, with only two women serving out of 46 total state senators.
In 2023, these lawmakers gained national attention for their successful filibuster against a proposed near-total abortion ban bill that aimed to prohibit abortion from the moment of conception with very few exceptions. The bill ultimately failed in the state Senate by a narrow margin of 22-21. Their efforts during this contentious debate earned them the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2023, highlighting their commitment to women’s rights in a predominantly male-driven political landscape.
Despite facing political backlash—three of the Sister Senators, Senn, Gustafson, and Shealy, lost their Republican primary races subsequently—they have stated they have no regrets about their votes against the abortion ban. Their advocacy reflects a determination to promote women’s rights and representation in South Carolina, seeking to inspire future generations of female leaders.
The upcoming discussion will address the broader challenges and obstacles facing women in politics today, aiming to enhance awareness and stimulate interest in increasing female participation in governmental roles. The Sister Senators’ proactive stance serves as a powerful illustration of the ongoing fight for gender equity within the South Carolina legislative framework.
This bipartisan approach, characterized by their ability to collaborate across political lines, also emphasizes the significance of having female voices in political decision-making processes. The event aligns with a growing recognition of the need for more diverse representation in legislative bodies, particularly in states like South Carolina where women’s voices are increasingly vital.
As significant events unfold in South Carolina and beyond, the gathering at Wofford College seeks to galvanize discussions not only about current political climates but also about fostering future leadership among women. The Sister Senators are dedicated to pushing for substantive change in policies that affect women, further illustrating how committed advocacy can make an impact in a challenging political environment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sister Senators Host Bipartisan Women’s Leadership Discussion in Spartanburg
Sister Senators Host Bipartisan Discussion on Women’s Leadership
Wofford College Hosts Sister Senators for Political Discussion
Jaclyn Port Appointed as Vice President and Finance Officer at The Southern Bank
HUB International Expands Operations in South Carolina
MUSC Named South Carolina’s Top Hospital for 2025
South Carolina Women’s Basketball Roster Adjustments Ahead of New Season
Big Changes for Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Dawn Staley Signs Record Extension with South Carolina
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with Gamecocks
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: South Carolina’s Sister Senators to Speak
- Count on 2: Upcoming Sister Senators Documentary Preview
- Post and Courier: SC Sister Senators Abortion Ban Documentary
- NBC News: South Carolina’s GOP Sister Senators on Abortion
- Wikipedia: Women in Politics
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
