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Pangelinan pushes for more female lawmakers
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Posted on Apr 29 2009
Sen. Maria Pangelinan said she would like to see the Legislature reflect the demographics of the electorate, increasing the number of women legislators.
Pangelinan, one of three woman lawmakers holding office in the 16th Legislature, said there are many young, smart and well-educated women in the Commonwealth who should pursue becoming lawmakers.
However, new women legislators do face unique challenges, she said.
“There are rules, both written and unwritten, that must be learned, and a support group of peers is not always immediately available,” she said. “At first, I think she may have to work harder to be heard, to be taken seriously and prove her value through substantive contributions to policy making.”
Women have a different perspective and life experiences to pull from as lawmakers, the senator said.
“Women tend to be peacemakers and negotiators,” she said. “Many of the skills one learns running a household and raising children are valuable tools for making one’s way in the lawmaking process. One of the most useful skill is listening, and really hearing what is being said.”
Pangelinan, who was named the chair of the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee for the 16th Legislature, said women “bring more balance and consensus building to the government by inserting feminine point[s] of view into the policy-making process and using the cultural strength of CNMI women to make sure all voices are heard in a discussion before a decision is made or a vote taken.”
Pangelinan was responding to questions from a student about a woman’s role in politics in the CNMI.
Besides Pangelinan, Rep. Tina Sablan and Rep. Rosemond Santos are the other female lawmakers in the 16th Legislature.
