Where are the women?

As I line up speakers for Marigold events and guests for Mary in the Morning I begin to notice trends. I have an increasing interest in civic affairs and the community leaders shaping policy for our future. Why it that so very few women are in these leadership roles?

I do NOT believe that women are kept out as they were in the past. Rather, I have a completely unscientific theory that when we reach the age of interest in public service or the "top job" in organizations, (call it our late 40s) women are raising teenagers and managing their own parents and frankly.... we are simply exhausted from balancing our professional and personal lives. I know one woman in her late forties that is scaling back all ambitions until she can trust her body/brain function under the storm of menopause! Maybe that's the problem!

Have you held back a desire to be more involved in the community or in a cause that speaks to you because you were just too darn tired and pulled in every direction? So what do we do about this? I believe that women bring unique talents and perspectives to the table. We finally earned our place at the table, but many seats remain untaken.

Marsha Smith, executive director of Rotary Charities has been there, firsthand, as the pendulum has swung one way... and then the other. Where are the women? Come hear her insights on this and please share your thoughts here as well.