Where I Stand — Lynette Boggs McDonald: ‘Girl power’ grows up

Sunday, Aug. 8, 1999 | 9:38 a.m.

Editor's note: In August, Where I Stand is written by guest columnists. Lynette Boggs McDonald, marketing director at UNLV, is today's guest. She was appointed last month as the Las Vegas councilwoman representing Ward 2. She served from 1994 to 1997 as assistant city manager and was a member of the Southern Nevada Strategic Planning Authority that studied Southern Nevada growth and made recommendations to the 1999 Legislature. A former Miss Oregon, Boggs McDonald writes of the necessity for ensuring that opportunities for women remain a priority.

MANY THROUGHOUT Las Vegas and the country were amazed to learn that I was the first woman in the history of Las Vegas to ever have the opportunity to lead a City Council ward. I often wonder if my appointment a few weeks ago symbolizes how far women in our community have come or how far we've yet to go, especially in this community.

As we approach the 21st century, the list of glowing female achievement grows in both length and diversity. Women are continually breaking barriers and making history through a tradition of firsts unique to the female population. In fact, another accomplishment was added to this list last week as Air Force Col. Eileen Collins became the first woman to command a space mission and land a space shuttle. Another fine example of our progression in "going where no woman has gone before."

As a result of these female firsts, our young girls and women are being exposed to an unprecedented variety of experiences, role models and opportunities. They proclaim the "girl power" battle cry with excited energy and portray a refreshing sense of self-worth and assurance. They know they can do it, because they see other woman doing it.

The advent of women's sports is a great example. Women are more than ever gracing the pages of the sports section, while female sportscasters permeate the airwaves doing what was once a male-dominated profession.

The success of the United States Women's World Cup soccer team has spurred an unprecedented demand for girls' soccer and soccer fields. In fact, Title IX of the Education Amendments (which calls for equal participation opportunities, financial aid and equipment and facilities for male and female athletes) has been around for nearly a generation. Since its inception in 1972, young women have gained some ground when it comes to athletic opportunities. We now have a generation of girls who can aspire to be professional athletes and know that with hard work and practice, those dreams can become reality.

Participation in team sports, and its subsequent camaraderie, can also help women and girls learn skills and qualities that translate both into the workplace and in politics. It's important to know how to play well with others in the corporate and political playing fields. Hence, "girl power," when cultivated properly, becomes "woman power."

This demonstration of woman power creates role models and possible mentors who can serve as inspirations to those with like aspirations. In terms of political leadership, our state is a great example with numerous women in significant decision-making positions.

Our state Assembly has more female participation than any other Assembly or House of Representatives in the nation with women making up 43 percent of its 42 members. We also have women leaders in Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus and state Controller Kathy Augustine. On a local level, our Clark County Board of Commissioners seats four women, while the city of Las Vegas is under the direction of City Manager Virginia Valentine.

But role models alone aren't enough. Women and girls need adequate educational and recreational opportunities to help shape their attitudes and abilities in a positive way.

As a Las Vegas city councilwoman, I'm particularly concerned with ensuring that we have opportunities for women to obtain employment and to advance within our City Hall organization. As policy makers, we must also ensure that women also have an opportunity to compete for contracts and other services provided by the city. And we must also ensure that there are equitable opportunities for women and girls to enjoy the diverse recreational offerings at our community centers and parks.

So if my recent appointment symbolizes anything, it's this: It takes fancy footwork, endurance and strategy to win both in soccer and in politics. As your new councilwoman, I will work hard to ensure there's room for everyone on the playing field.