The first female U.S. secretary of state recalled how she decided to establish a Centre for Women’s Rights in American foreign policy. «I did it, not only because I am a feminist, but also because the society is stable when women have influence in politics and economics. For every country, more than half of the population is women, so if they occupy positions, receive a salary equal to men and may affect the decision making – this heals the society», highlighted former U.S. secretary of state.
She noted that is proud that today she is the Chairman of the National Democratic Institute, where she has an opportunity to deal with women’s problems, encourage them to hold positions in government agencies and provide support to them.
Madeleine ALBRIGHT stressed the importance of «quota» percentage of women in legislatures. At the same time, she is concerned with a question whether women are ready to go for it, whether they’re ready to overcome challenges and risks by leading authorities, whether they’re ready to present themselves as successful candidates. She noted that the important aspect of this is self-confidence and movement forward. «The questions that often women ask themselves – whether I can? – never occurs in men. Men are confident that they can. Women always have doubts about their strengths», she added.
Madeleine ALBRIGHT recalled times in office as secretary of state, «when I hesitated to say something, I always thought that if I’m not going to start talking then the U.S. voice will not be heard». Madeleine advised all women to overcome fear, «if you stay silent when one has to speak for Ukraine, the voice of your country will not be heard».
This idea was supported by Jane Harman, former member of the Congress and President of the Woodrow Wilson Center. She confirmed that women are less confident in themselves than men. And she advised women to be brave and express their beliefs.
Former U.S. secretary of state asserted that when the critical mass within the legislatures is there, the legislatures become more focused on solving problems that concern the citizens most, and more citizens believe and trust in such political institutions. «Women have a wider vision and the ability to perform many assigned tasks simultaneously, meanwhile men are focused only on one task. Also, women are more oriented to seek answers to a question, negotiate to find a compromise. Women seek for compromise more persistently», said Madeleine ALBRIGHT.
Jane Harman, the President of Woodrow Wilson Center, added that it’s a pleasure to see more and more women in government. However, she mentioned that «no need to idealize women – they are all different, not all perfect, some can be criticized, yet they are better in seeking solution to problems as they used to do that at home».
Further, Madeleine ALBRIGHT added that she is not going to vote for a woman just because of solidarity, «I’d better vote for a man who is close to my political views».
At the Discussion Club meeting the situation in Ukraine also was discussed. Madeleine ALBRIGHT mentioned that after meetings with Ukrainian political leaders she saw that they understand the need for reform and stressed that the key task today for Ukraine is - to cure society cancer - corruption. «It’s necessary to adopt urgent laws to overcome corruption. Also various social and economic reforms are required as well. Reforms, that had been made, do not work if civic society is not involved in political process. There is no certainty that economy grows and democracy is in progress. The most important and difficult thing is that politicians have to make promises that the life will be better, but not right away and time is required to carry out economic reforms, address energy issues, relations with Russia etc.». She emphasized on importance of participation of people and civil society in this process. «What happened in Ukraine is a chance for reform and change. However nothing will happen if everyone is not involved in this process», - Mrs. ALBRIGHT concluded.
Mrs. Harman added that people do not have to stay out of the processes, «this is your opportunity, but opportunities are rare in politics. If you miss it, you may never get another one. Go ahead and use these opportunities!»
In the end of the meeting, Madeleine ALBRIGHT addressed all participants with the words of inspiration «I believe that you are the ones who will bring new change! It’s easy to criticize, but most difficult – be within the system and be prepared for criticism. The most important – not to stand apart!»
