Women Double Share of Cabinet Appointments
Women are increasing their roles in state governments and, despite occasional advice to “go fix your lipstick,” have doubled their share of top-level appointive jobs in the 1980s, a women’s political group said Thursday.
A survey by the National Women’s Political Caucus showed that the growing political activity of women has been felt not only in increased candidates for elective office, but also in major job appointments by governors.
From 1980 through 1985, the number of women appointed to state cabinet-level jobs has doubled from 64 to 129, it said.
Louisiana Tops List
Louisiana Gov. Edwin W. Edwards had the largest percentage of appointed women, half his 12-member cabinet as of the end of last year. Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace had the lowest, with one woman, or less than 5% of his cabinet.
Stephanie Alexander, Louisiana’s director of administration, said it is sometimes difficult for women in government, particularly young women, to gain acceptance and respect.
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