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Female political figures came together for a special forum to shine light on underlying issues for women in politics and business.

The Women in Leadership political forum was hosted by the Feminist Club on May 15. The event not only aimed to motivate the next generation to become active leaders for their communities, but also informed about the experiences and obstacles each speaker had to endure in pursuit of her goals.

The forum included Charlotte Bland, Los Angeles City College Board of Trustees, Dr. Marina Khubesrian , South Pasadena City Council member, Anita Finlay, author of “Dirty Words on Clean Skin,” and Linda Wah, a member of PCC’s Board of Trustees member.

“Equality is not taken seriously,” said Finlay. “It’s a widespread problem. When people make these shocking, offensive jokes, women are just expected to laugh it off.”

The forum posed different questions as each speakers offered their insights on society and how they had to overcome such obstacles.

Bland, for instance, answered the question of balancing life and work by saying “you need to take care of yourself. Women are natural nurturers so you need time to replenish.”

Khubesrian had to find a balance between family obligations and what she wanted to do. “Finding time to take care of myself was not available and it took me a long time to find that balance,” she said.

Women’s portrayal in the media also became a focus of the forum as it affected society’s perception of them.

“Women are at such a disadvantage. We’re seen as entertainment. This is a big issue that affects everyone,” said Finlay. “Woman are held to a higher and different standard than men. A woman also faces a double standard compared to men.”

One issue in particular interest was that of news coverage on politicians.

“Men get more coverage on their political stance,” Finlay said. “Women, on the other hand, get more coverage on their appearance.”

“I want to see more women involved in changing the way the media portrays our females,” Bland said during the forum. “When I look at a Carl’s Jr. commercial and she’s eating a Jalapeno Burger upside down, I get offended. They’re selling her sexuality for a food commercial.”

The event also dipped into race and ethnicity. Wah talked about how Asian ethnicity gives a person some edge but also works against Asians at the same time.

“[Asians] are seen as quiet and not outspoken thus overlooked when higher positions are available,” said Wah.

At the conclusion of the forum, students were able to mingle with the speakers.

[The event] was wonderful, I wanted to cry,” said Eva Severado, biology. “[Regardless] of the challenges we face, we should continue to pursue and move forward.”

“It was interesting. As a woman, I understood the things they said because I felt that way,” said Yusan Park, political science.

Justin Gonzalez, gender ethnicities and multi-cultural studies, watched as the audience listened intently. “[Tonight] did what it needed to do,” he said.

During the meet and greet, trustee Wah said she would like to see more women get involved in politics.

“For women to be powerful, they have to be at the table that can bring change,” Wah said. “We have to make it easier for women to run for political positions.”

“[We] had a great turnout,” said President of PCC’s Feminist Club, Jessica Raybon. “I am happy people are getting more involved in politics and women are inspired to go into politics and to balance their lives.

The club, according to secretary of PCC’s Feminist Club, Presley Hubschmitt, had about a month to organize the event. The group has worked with the guest speakers previously before eventually agreeing to be apart of the forum.

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