Will Work for Equality: GirlGov 2011

"Will work for EQUALITY." More than just four everyday words, the motto of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania is inspiration for young women to continue the fight for respect and recognition in the workplace, at school and in the community. WGF strives to help women and girls gain gender equality by sponsoring public policy initiatives that will create a lasting impact in access, opportunity and influence. 

On Monday evening, young women from the southwestern counties of Pennsylvania milled into the Hilton Garden Inn at Southpointe for GirlGov 2011, a program sponsored by WGF. During the "welcome" dinner and orientation, the ladies learned about the history of WGF. Soon after, the young women were introduced to the story of GirlGov. 

The GirlGov program itself was created just a year ago by two young women who were upset by the lack of female representation in the state government—only about 17 percent of the state legislature is female. The two motivated women decided to act upon this finding and, with the support of WGF, created a program that would encourage girls to go after positions of influence. GirlGov allows young women from the area to explore the realm of politics by following and learning from the state's elected officials for a day.

By the end of the orientation, the girls, myself included, were excited to delve into the materials we had received. We anxiously flipped through the program's agenda and read the summaries of a few of the current bills that representatives and senators are currently negotiating. Perhaps most exciting, though, was finding out who we would be shadowing during our day in Harrisburg. 

I spent my day in Harrisburg seeing the capitol from the perspective of Representative Matthew Smith. Representing the nearby 42nd District of Pennsylvania, Rep. Smith was a great match. He was one of the most genuine politicians—I could tell that he was truly interested and invested in his participation in GirlGov 2011.

The day in Harrisburg started promptly. As soon as we arrived to the Capitol, I had the opportunity to sit in on a committee hearing that Rep. Smith was attending on the contract termination and negotiations between Highmark and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. After just an hour in Harrisburg, I had already witnessed news firsthand on a topic that is pertinent to the area. From the hearing, I rejoined the GirlGov delegation. We made our way up to the House gallery, where we listened carefully to the House session in progress. 

After the House session, Representative Smith headed off to convene with the Committee on Appropriations, during which other GirlGov delegates and I were recognized. We watched on, as votes were made and bills were passed. By mid-afternoon, Representative Jesse White, of the 46th District of Pennsylvania, and his "shadows" joined us for lunch. With our initial nerves settled, my fellow delegates and I were able to ask questions about the representatives' positions and about the state government as a whole. Our time as "shadows" ended with group photographs under the Rotunda. 

GirlGov topped off the day with a tour of the Capitol building and a panel discussion with female lobbyists, journalists and legislators. This portion of the day was quite inspiring, as the women who sat along the panel offered us their words of wisdom. We were urged to work through adversity, to prove to ourselves that we were capable of anything. With hard work and determination, no feat would be out of reach. 

GirlGov was one of the best experiences of my high school career, and I would highly encourage any girl even faintly interested in public service to consider applying for the program. WGF kept things on schedule, organized and interesting; there was never a dull moment. Learning about the various ways that public service and female strength can be molded to one's own interests was a lesson that I cannot imagine learning any other way. First-hand experience and conversation with the people who run the state is something that cannot be replaced.

Whether female influence is attained through legislation, leadership, law, or political journalism, GirlGov shows young women that equality and influence are possible.