The swell of women's voices

The irony struck me when I spotted two op-ed columns positioned one above the other in today's Detroit Free Press.

Above, the thoughts of a male legislator defending language in a bill amendment that would have a profound impact on women's lives. Below, the passionate argument against that language by a woman representing an organization that unequivocally opposed it.

It got me wondering about how women's voices are represented on the op-ed pages of our local newspapers. I'm still looking into it, but at first glance, the answer is "not well".

I considered the same thought last Sunday, as I read Rochelle Riley's beautifully written account of a sorority's decision to purchase a former car dealership and re-purpose it into a community service center. This amazing group of women paid $850,000 for the property, and in the process, helped a church find a new home in their former headquarters.

I can't count how many times I've seen columnist Mitch Albom's work featured on page one. Riley's column deserved that kind of attention. It ended up on page 2.

I'm a former newspaper editor. I know these decisions have no ulterior, sexist motive. Still, I believe if more women sought influence in our local newspapers, knew how to tell their stories and share their values and ideas, we would begin to see a shift in how often and how well women's voices are heard.

It's the same principle being promoted by The White House Project across all sectors: Create a critical mass of women, and we'll start to change our conversations. Even though 90 percent of Americans surveyed say they're comfortable with women's leadership, we only represent 18 percent of the leaders across the board. That's a disconnect we can only repair with the involvement of more women.

You can help train more women to raise their voices - through Go, Run or Debate Boot Camp training offered by The White House Project. These workshops featuring women leaders are open to all women. Scholarships are offered, and even assistance with child care. Every contribution is valued and will be put to work in the service of Michigan women.

Drop a check or money order payable to The White House Project into an envelope addressed to Michigan Women's Forum, P.O. Box 921, Farmington MI 48332-0921. I'll forward all contributions to Shannon Garrett, The White House Project's Michigan director.

• Go to The White House Project donation site:  https://secure2.convio.net/twhp/site/Donation2?df_id=1420&1420.donation=form1 to make a donation of any amount. Under "Please credit this gift to", enter "Joni Hubred-Golden".

Remember, every contribution is tax deductible. And that's important this time of year.

--JH-G