Women in Governance: A Conversation with Mayor Betsy Stix

GAB Founder Ama Okigbo interviewed Mayor Betsy Stix of Ojai, California, about women's participation in government.

Q: According to the Center for American Women in Politics, only a few women are involved in politics in the United States.  For instance, only 25% of U.S. Senators are women, 28% of the U.S. Congress, 32% are statewide elected executives, 25% are Mayors, and so on.  What are some of the reasons why women do not get involved in elective politics?

A: Prior to running for Mayor in 2020, I was juggling the responsibilities of raising two children, teaching high school and yoga, and caring for my aging parents. Like many women, I worked hard to balance multiple roles and manage finances. This is a significant undertaking. Throughout history, women have shouldered most of the workload, ensuring the well-being and happiness of others while being excluded from certain professional spheres. It has only been 102 years since women gained the right to vote, which is a relatively short period in the context of human history. Biases against women persist, and there is a prevailing belief that women are not suited for leadership roles. We must work to change this perception and understand that progress is gradual. This is why capable, articulate, compassionate, and humble women from diverse backgrounds should actively engage in politics.

Extensive research indicates that women often encounter subtle gender bias in organizations and society, which can disrupt their journey to becoming effective leaders. This research also suggests that there are steps companies can take to address this issue. Identifying and cultivating the "right" skills and competencies in a social vacuum is insufficient. The environment must actively support a woman's drive to lead and enhance the likelihood of others recognizing and endorsing her efforts, even if her appearance or behavior differs from that of the current generation of senior executives.

Q: Mayor Stix, when did you decide to get involved in politics?

A: In the summer of 2020, with both my sons out of the house and my parents having passed away, I found myself with a newfound space and time in my life. I became increasingly concerned about the direction that the city council was taking our town, transitioning it from rural to suburban. From an environmental perspective, I saw opportunities for our city to implement "reach codes" to shift away from fossil fuels. With three out of the five council members running unopposed and a mayoral candidate also running unchallenged, I felt compelled to step up and offer myself as an alternative choice. This decision was partly influenced by reading "The Big Leap" by resident and bestselling author Gay Hendricks, which inspired me to embrace the courage to pursue new paths. I firmly believe that a well-functioning democracy benefits from diverse representation, and I saw an opportunity to contribute positively to our town by running for city council.

Q: How did you go about it? How did you overcome the many challenges that prevent women from getting involved in politics?

A: I am grateful for the amazing team of volunteers and supporters who believed in my policies during the challenging campaign. Every day, we engaged in fundraising, conversing with voters, and knocking on doors. I am fortunate to have a supportive partner, loving family, and hardworking friends - it truly was a collective effort. My campaign focused on environmental and social justice, emphasizing the importance of balancing quality of life and supporting our vibrant tourist economy in Ojai. Despite facing hurtful criticism and attacks, I remained committed to practicing kindness and civility, drawing strength from my beliefs. The most significant challenge I encountered was maintaining my energy and processing a large influx of information while also confronting unwarranted negativity and misinformation. Through it all, I relied on my spiritual practice for inner peace and forgiveness, and I'm glad to say that, for the most part, it sustained me.

Q: What major challenges do you face as a female politician, and how do you overcome them?

A: Generally, men are evaluated by what they do, and women are evaluated by who they are. Women face more criticism than men, and individuals who are white and wealthy often have an inherent advantage due to their physical appearance. Gloria Steinem once referred to misogyny as the invisible sport that is difficult to identify yet omnipresent. Undoing millennia of patriarchy and racism will undoubtedly take time, but I am optimistic about the progress we are making. Promoting the involvement of women and people of color in political office is crucial, as we need a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Too frequently, only the most privileged and vocal individuals are given a platform to be heard.

Q: Since you “broke the glass ceiling” as an elected female Mayor of Ojai, what institutions are you putting in place to make it easier for other females to attain the same position?

A: I am pleased to share that the Mayor’s Youth Council, which I initiated this year, has made remarkable progress. All six high schools in Ojai are actively participating in this initiative. The primary goal of this council is to unite local high school students with an interest in engaging in local government and having their voices heard. We regularly invite community leaders, activists, and non-profit organizations to address the students, helping them channel their interests and prepare public statements for council meetings. I am thrilled to see the students forge connections and exchange their passions. Notably, the majority of the students involved are female. This platform provides them with an opportunity to boost their confidence, refine their public speaking skills, and effectively advocate for their concerns in a methodical and reasoned manner. Additionally, I have dedicated time and effort to encourage women and younger individuals to actively participate in local government. Through my support and perseverance, two progressive young women ran for council in the 2022 election. One of the candidates is a lesbian, while the other is a woman of color. I wholeheartedly supported and promoted their campaigns and platforms. As a result, one of them managed to unseat the incumbent and secure victory, which was a truly momentous achievement.

Q: What advice would you give high school girls interested in politics or government?

A: Seek mentors and experts in your field who are eager to support you. Leadership thrives on collaboration. We are here for one another as a community. Find your community and move forward. Learn to accept criticism and adversity gracefully. Make sure to take care of your physical and mental well-being by practicing yoga, eating healthily, staying active, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest. Embrace opportunities to practice public speaking - it does get easier with time! Your voice matters. Attend city council, school board, and other public meetings that pique your interest, and share your thoughts either by speaking in public or through letters. Your opinions are important. Reach out to me, and I will offer my support. Stand in solidarity with your fellow women. We are all in this together.