US Congresswoman discusses leadership as Women leaders shine

She was measured, mindful of not succumbing to hyperbole and gross generalisations. She is seasoned and heir to a political matriarch of Caribbean descent, a positioned assumed through diligence and industry, not privilege. Representative Yvette Clarke of New York’s 11th Congressional district exuded humility, but commanded a searing understanding of issues impacting women and politics. “Women have a different approach to policy making,” she said, identifying the socialisation of young men into a “take no prisoners” mindset, as the cause for the hard-line political posturing one sees in Congress. “Male politicians have transferred this sports mentality, the win-win scenario into the political equation, hence, at times you see little room for compromise and negotiation, to the detriment of the people.”

As Congresswoman Clarke discussed women and leadership, she was heartened by the political ascendancy of this once marginalised group in many regions of the world. “It is an alarming development, not without irony, and quite complex,” she stated, conceding that “there are no simple answers.” The Congresswoman explored what she called the “funding challenge.” “You have to understand that in the US, women are not in the environment where the pivotal connections are made, the golf clubs, and the Board rooms. Networking is so integral to the political process.” However, her counsel was marked with a single caveat. “Know your constituents and ensure that they know you.”
She continued: “I have seen instances where money just cannot win an election, in some cases, you can even win without much financial backing because you embody the aspirations of the people. One really has to be working on several fronts—simultaneously.”

In her third term in office, the popular congresswoman reminisced on the influential role her mother, Dr Una Clarke played in her nurturing, on all levels. She also recalled the impact of representative Shirley Chisholm, the first black congresswoman who was of Barbadian and Guyanese parentage. “Today, we see women with the right academic qualifications involved in campaigning, and that’s great, but they must now work behind the scenes to understand institutional building and how policy decisions are made.” She later examined the constitution of the political aspirant, identifying perseverance as the principal attribute for success. “One must persevere despite the many bruises that come with being a politician. You cannot fold when the odds are stacked against you. This is only possible when you have an ideal to which you aspire...a strong conviction.”

Over the last few years, a handful of her male colleagues in Washington have unwittingly engaged in unethical practices that have sullied the image of the political office, and raised questions about the seduction of power. For the most part women in the US House of Representatives have not been bedeviled by such charges. Congresswoman Clarke commented on these unseeming extra-curricular activities, and the misplaced sense of power and entitlement that have destroyed promising careers.
“Men and women enter politics for different reasons, I believe. Now, this is generalising, but for the most part we enter to serve our communities, to get things done in areas affecting families. On the other, you can say there aren’t enough women in politics right now. When that happens, who knows? Of immigrant women in US politics, the congresswoman, of Jamaican parentage, identified familial and peer support as crucial, but admitted that access to resources remains a key challenge. “Women in politics are a work in progress,” she noted.

Congresswoman Clarke, who is single and has structured her life around her work, indicated that women have temporarily shelved conjugal plans as they take up politics as a career. “They have realised that this path is not conducive to raising kids.” Today, more than ever, community leaders are needed, according to Congresswoman Clarke, and she and others, have responded to the exigency of this unique situation. “We have formidable leaders in our community in all areas, the church and in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). We, as leaders, have to mentor young women in order to take them to the next level. There is so much to be done in our communities, better education, affordable housing, and comprehensive immigration reform.” And when questioned about the capability of women in the areas of security and defense, especially now, in a world hemmed in by terrorism, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke was unequivocal. “We have the same instincts to protect our family and our homeland, but we exercise situational awareness. It’s not about being impulsive, but if a situation calls for us to strike, we can and will.” And in a moment of levity, she asked: “Did your Mom ever hesitate to discipline you after a good warning?”

• Dr Glenville Ashby New York correspondent The Guardian Media Group. glenvilleashby@gmail.com