Mary Horres, President of Charleston League of Women Voters

Q: You are president of the League of Women Voters of the Charleston Area. How and when did you become involved with the league?

A: The League of Women Voters first came to my attention when I lived in San Diego. It was the most reliable source for accurate, unbiased information for ballot initiatives in the California elections. When we moved back to our home city of Charleston about 10 years ago, I sought out the league because I wanted to network with others who were interested in educating themselves about public policy issues and exploring different viewpoints. Through the Charleston area league, I have met an amazing group of women and men with an array of backgrounds, talents and interests who want to make a difference in our community and state. Regardless of political perspectives, we have worked together on numerous issues such as financing public education, illegal drug laws, public transit, election reforms and environmental issues. I have also been able to meet -- and help -- many local residents through our league's work in voter registration, candidate forums and voter education.

Q: This year marks the 90th anniversary of the league and women getting the right to vote. What do you see as women's major accomplishments since then?

A: Women have made tremendous progress in education and in entering professional careers such as law and medicine. For the past 10 years, more than half of college students each year have been women, and women excel in all subjects. I think the suffragists would be delighted to know that women today not only have a role in government, but also are trailblazers in many careers, such as business leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, judges and astronauts.

Q: Do you think women are where they need to be in society today, and if not, what do you think they need to do to get there?

A: Although we have made progress, I do not think we are yet where we need to be in society. My measures of success will be when there is true pay equity for women and when women hold at least half of the leadership positions in government, higher education and business, as well as balanced representation on both corporate and public boards and commissions.

Change is slow, and public acknowledgment of the problems of pay inequity and under-representation by women in leadership positions is needed.

Everyone, male and female, needs to work toward the goal of achieving gender equity in pay, as well as in governance of our nation, state and communities.

Q: What are the biggest obstacles women face today?

A: Effectiveness in any leadership position requires a large time commitment. This can be a major obstacle for women who have to balance the demands of family with employment and public service. Studies show that domestic and family responsibilities weigh heavily on women when they consider running for office. Despite these obstacles, women are successfully marshaling the support systems needed to allow them to accept leadership positions.

Q: Why do you think women don't run for political office in South Carolina?

A: A recent national study found two key factors in the gender gap in political ambition to hold elective office: Women are far less likely to be encouraged to run for office, and women are significantly less likely than men to view themselves as qualified to run. Also, in the case of the South Carolina Legislature, the five- to six-month session is a barrier unless a woman has a flexible job or independent means of support.

The league has initiated some new efforts to persuade more women to become involved in the political process and inspire more women to run for public office. The state league has partnered with the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics and other organizations in the South Carolina Gubernatorial Appointments Project (SC GAP) to involve more women in state government through appointments to the governor's cabinet, commissions and boards.

On Oct. 8, the Charleston area league is hosting a conference that will launch the league's yearlong statewide Judicial Independence and Diversity Initiative. During the project, South Carolina's state and local leagues, along with our community partners, will work to educate citizens about the importance of an independent and diverse judiciary and to determine the changes needed in the judicial selection process in South Carolina.

Q: What advice would you give women seeking political office?

A: My advice would be to go for it! You won't get the votes if your name is not on the ballot. Of course, from the league's perspective, we would expect all candidates to be well-informed on public policy issues.

Q: Who are your role models?

A: I held management positions throughout my career, so my role models were directors with whom I worked. From one, a woman who definitely had moxie, I learned the importance of persistence and high standards. From another, I learned how to navigate successfully in political situations and how to compete for resources needed to accomplish program objectives. This mentoring really helped me when I later assumed top management positions.

Q: Books you recommend?

A: I enjoy reading books about women in other cultures, such as "Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail" and Ayaan Hirsi Ali's autobiographical work, "Infidel." Understanding how women are treated in other cultures gives me perspective on global challenges to women's rights.