After the turmoil of the 2008 primaries and election, as the dust is settling, there appears to  be a new movement afoot of activism on behalf of parity for women in all areas, but particularly representation in government.  Many believe that women will never achieve a “level playing field” until we have 50% women represented in the three branches of goverment.  A good place to start, in the view of the esteemed Dr. Lynette Long, is with representation in the Cabinet over which incoming President Barack Obama has full control.  Dr. Long challenges Obama to select 50% females for his cabinet.

In PARITY IN THE CABINET???, Lynnette Long discusses this goal in depth:

“The current cabinet of the United States is attended by the President, fifteen Cabinet Members, and six cabinet level administrative offices that includes the Vice-President and the White House Chief of Staff for a total of 22 members. The Bush Cabinet has four women: Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State, Elaine Chao as Secretary of Labor, Mary Peters as Secretary of Transportation, and Margaret Spellings as Secretary of Education. In addition Susan Schwab has Cabinet level rank as United States Trade Secretary. Out of the 22 people that attend cabinet meetings, The President, the Vice-President, the Cabinet, and the Cabinet level administrative offices, five are currently women, which is 23%. Will President-Elect Obama appoint more women to his cabinet than President Bush? I am starting a cabinet watch. Help me. I would like to see 50% of the female cabinet women. I am starting a cabinet watch. As the cabinet members become appointed I will color the titles blue or pink. Please lobby the Obama campaign for more women in the cabinet.  Call his office at 202-224-2854. Thanks.”

(See also Lynette Long: WHAT OBAMA CAN DO FOR WOMEN. )

Cabinet-level administration offices · Vice President of the United States
· White House Chief of Staff
· Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
· Director of the Office of Management and Budget
· Director of the National Drug Control Policy
· United States Trade Representative

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