As the Founder and Executive Director of Sole Strategies, Zee Cohen-Sanchez has not only led her firm to remarkable success but has also become a vocal advocate for empowering women in the political arena. After years of working in the political sector, she recognized the absence of women in the space and the need for their perspective. When deciding to found Sole Strategies, she found herself up against a lot of criticism for being a woman and leading a team in what is typically a male-dominated space. It was these experiences that led her to focus her energy on building a female team of political operatives and supporting women running for office. While the percentage of women in government has increased, we’re a far cry from 50/50 representation. Zee says this is an issue that needs to be addressed not just for equality, but because of the benefits an equal government will have for America.
Diverse Perspectives Enhance Policy-Making
It’s been found that greater gender diversity among executive teams leads to greater performance. Zee says this stands true for our governing body, too. In politics, where decisions impact every corner of society, the absence of women means missing crucial perspectives. Women bring different life experiences and priorities to the table, often raising issues like child care, education, and healthcare, which might otherwise be overlooked. Zee points out that when women are at the policy-making table, the legislation is more comprehensive and reflective of societal needs. The absence of their voice means that the government isn’t operating at the capacity it’s capable of, and that is a disservice to every community.
Women in Leadership Roles Inspire Broader Social Change
Zee emphasizes the inspirational effect of women in leadership roles. It’s been proven that portrayals in media affect the conception of self for adolescents. Whether we’re looking at gender or race, seeing someone who looks like you in a position of power makes it seem more realistic to reach that goal.
Having women in government as role models gives young girls and women the sense that they too can get involved in their communities and achieve significant impact. This visibility not only motivates future generations but also challenges the existing stereotypes about leadership roles. Women in office are often met with questions and roadblocks that their male counterparts don’t deal with. It makes it harder for women to do their jobs effectively. According to Zee, the presence of more women in politics will not only transform the political landscape for future generations, but will also shift societal expectations and norms about gender roles, improving the system overall.
Gender Balance in Politics Leads to More Stable and Inclusive Governments
Lastly, Zee points to the link between gender balance and political stability. Studies have shown that governments with more women are less prone to conflict and are more likely to focus on social welfare and collaboration across party lines. Zee argues that women often employ a more inclusive and consultative leadership style, which is crucial in a world where political polarization is on the rise. For her, more women in politics isn’t just a metric of equality but a foundational element for stable and effective governance at home and abroad.
Sole Strategies Heeding the Call
Zee Cohen-Sanchez is resolute in her belief that the future of effective governance depends on our ability to integrate more women into political positions. She not only champions this cause through her advocacy but also leads by example with Sole Strategies, demonstrating daily that women are not just capable of leading in politics—they are essential. As Zee articulates these reasons, her call to action is clear: it’s time to open the doors wider and make room for more women in the halls of power.
Published by: Martin De Juan
