Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics

Since taking office, Haley has used her power to appoint women to high ranking positions at state agencies, but at the State House, women remain a relative rarity in the General Assembly -- just 16 in the House of Representatives and zero in the state Senate. The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is trying to correct the imbalance and bring more women into elected office in a state that comes up dead last in the nation in terms of women politicians.

Help us find a solution! Run for office today.

Institute President describes women as excellent leaders who think differently from their male counterparts. "We have very brilliant, smart, capable women in south Carolina who can hold these positions," she notes, "and we are asking them to run for office."

Tiffany James calls on more women to become active in politics. She's ready to get into her community and start making changes.

Take Your Seat training class helped this candidate for Columbia City Council, District 3, began organizing her campaign. She describes needing more women involved in the decision-making process because of the unique perspective they bring to the discussion.

Dare Bailey

Liz Gilland was the first woman elected to Horry County Council and served as it's chair. She tells us in her words that more women need to run for office.

Antoinette attended our Charleston campaign training school, Take Your Seat, because of her desire to get more young people involved in the political process.

Proud Marine wife attends campaign school to help other woman candidates today and possibly run for office herself in the future.

Jo Ann Stadmueller has attended multiple campaign training schools hosted by the Institute and trains in the art of social media.

A recent law graduate, Welch came to learn - to help other women run and possibly run for office at some point in the future.

Summer Massey attended the Institute's October 2011 campaign training school - Take Your Seat - Charleston, SC. See what she has to say about the day.

A minister and leader in her community, Moncks Corner, SC, Aiken-Taylor serves on City Council. Recently she ran in a special election for the SC House of Representatives and intends to run again when the seat is open in 2012. She attended the Institute's training school in October, 2011.

WACH/FOX 57 interviewed two women participating in the kickoff for Mission 2012 and the SC Women's Agenda. Barbara Rackes, member of the Southeastern Institute board of directors describes how women "just get things done" while candidate Tonia Aiken Taylor tells why it's time women need to balance our state's leadership.

A great video and article from WLTX about the launch of Mission 2012. However, the reporter is incorrect in stating that there is one woman in the South Carolina State Senate. In fact, there are no women in the State Senate.

The 2012 Project is a national, non-partisan campaign to increase the number of women in legislative office by identifying and engaging accomplished women 45 and older from underrepresented fields and industries. These include finance, science, technology, energy, health, environment, small business and international affairs.

Hon. Gilda Cobb-Hunter from District 66 encourages all women to stop thinking about running, and do it. Listen to her inspirational words.

Hon. Laurie Slade Funderburk from District 52 wants more women to run for political office. Take a minute to listen to what she has to say.

Hon. Rita Allison encourages women to become a part of SEIWIP to better have a chance of having a voice in South Carolina.

Representative Anne Thayer from House District 9 tells us on tape about the importance of getting women to run. Hear her comments.

Hon. Denny Nielson from Darlington County talks about the importance of the perspective of women in politics.

Listen to why Hon. Wendy Nanney from Greenville County is appreciative of the support and training from the Institute.

Elise Partin, Mayor of the city of Cayce talks about why she is very thankful for the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics.

Listen to why Hon. Elizabeth Munnerlyn from District 54 wants to encourage all women to run for office.

After Nikki Haley's win, you would think the director of a group called "The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics" would be doing cartwheels in her office (think Colorado Congressman Ed Perlmutter).