Kunin Forges Path for Women in Politics A Profile of Vermont's First Female Governor

Author: Polly Lynn

Madeleine Kunin, Bicentennial scholar-in-residence, was not only the first female governor of Vermont but also the fourth female governor in the United States. As Vermont's governor in 1984, she served three terms before becoming President Clinton's deputy secretary of education in 1993. Three years later, she was named United States ambassador to Switzerland, her native country from which she emigrated to the United States when she was six years old. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with this remarkably significant woman in Vermont's history. Her story follows.

Her First Steps

Kunin's initial foray into Vermont politics came in 1972 when she ran for the state legislature. She expressed interest in the environmental movement and women's movement and wished to become more involved.
The first experience that led her to politics was her frustration with the lack of signs marking the railroad that her children had to cross when they walked to school. She sought a way to implement flashing red lights.
Her first attempt to take a public stance led to other changes and a career in political policy.

Changing Roles

When she first ran for a state legislative office in 1972 she brought women's equality into the spotlight. People began to ask questions like, "Can a woman do this? Is she thorough enough?" But with time the gender distinction diminished. Being a woman never held her back.
One of the distinguishing aspects of her career as Vermont state governor was the relatively large number of women she appointed to her office. There is an increasing number of women joining the state Legislature, which, according to Kunin, makes her proud to be one of the first of a long line of women to enter the political arena. But she feels that women still have to go to greater lengths to prove themselves than men do.

Women Today

Kunin stressed the importance of women attending colleges and universities worldwide to develop strong speaking skills and learn leadership skills. "Women still need extra inspiration. Many are still too shy to promote themselves," said Kunin. According to Kunin, it is easiest to change and develop in college.
Kunin said the best way for students, and women in particular, to get involved in politics is to volunteer for a party candidate. "It is a good way to test the waters and have a lot of fun," she said of political volunteering. Kunin pointed out that there are fewer barriers to becoming involved in politics than people think and that young people are very welcome and encouraged to participate.
The biggest problem women face today is how to combine family and work. "Society hasn't adjusted to the working woman," Kunin said. She added that a more flexible workplace and accessible childcare options were the first steps some companies have taken to facilitate this balance.