Women around the world are making a difference in politics every day – and many are turning to social media to make it known. From politicians to celebrities, women have been talking about current events and topical issues on Twitter. How did a Congresswoman use “Sharknado 3” to push her minimum wage measure to the forefront? Why did a senator compare Ted Cruz to a “lost puppy”? Which famous celebrity expressed her steadfast support for Planned Parenthood? Find out in this week’s edition of That’s What She Said!
Congresswoman Janice Hahn of California is the latest to jump on the Sharknado-cult bandwagon. Rep. Hahn might not be praising the newest Syfy original, but she is using its tag line (“Oh Hell No!”) to criticize minimum wage measures that are anywhere below $15 an hour. Other prominent proponents of the $15 measure include Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders.
I have 3 words for people who ask me if $15 is too much for our workers (they happen to be #Sharknado3's tag line): Oh Hell No! #FightFor15
— Janice Hahn (@Rep_JaniceHahn) July 22, 2015Despite a constitutional two term limit, President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi is running for a third term. U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power opines that the African country does not have a conducive environment for “credible elections.” The U.S. State Department shares Power’s thoughts on the matter with threats of discrediting Burundi’s government.
#Burundi: Months of govt crackdown on civ society, dozens killed, up to 167k have fled their homes. Not conditions for credible elections
— Samantha Power (@AmbassadorPower) July 21, 2015In the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where five military officials were killed, President Obama ordered all American flags on federal grounds be lowered to half-staff. Congresswoman Ann Wagner from Missouri captures an image of the flag waving half-staff atop the Capitol against the backdrop of a gloomy day in Washington D.C.
The flag flies at half staff in memorial of the five service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in #Chattanooga. pic.twitter.com/pwVq4CrD7w
— Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) July 21, 20154. HeForShe
HeForShe is a campaign for gender equality that works towards engaging men around the world in an effort to take action against inequalities that women and girls face. The HeForShe campaign was initiated by UNWomen and its message has been promulgated by notable public figures like Emma Watson, Kiefer Sutherland and Wolf Blitzer.
#ElesPorElas or #HeForShe – no matter the language, equality = equality. pic.twitter.com/e3zFKSTMDD
— HeForShe (@HeforShe) July 20, 2015Republican Sen. Ted Cruz has been described as a lot of things (i.e. wacko, extremist, bigot), but this might be the first time the 2016 presidential candidate is deemed a “lost puppy.” Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill called Cruz out on Twitter for consistently defending Donald Trump.
There's something unseemly about Cruz following Trump around like a lost puppy,hoping to get his leftovers when he finally flames out.
— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc) July 20, 2015Only a few weeks ago, President Obama announced that the United States and Cuba agreed on a deal to open embassies in each other’s capitals in an effort to re-establish diplomatic relations between the two nations. A symbol of this amicable future with Cuba is represented by the inclusion of the Cuban flag in the lobby of the State Department, which Congresswoman Donna Edwards from Maryland poetically commends in her tweet.
Two flags, one world. Now let's do the hard work to end the trade embargo. pic.twitter.com/7mdNeHjBhO
— Rep Donna F Edwards (@repdonnaedwards) July 20, 20157.
Although only elected in March, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has made it a priority to reinvigorate relations between his West African country and the United States. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker greets President Buhari during his first trip to America.
Welcomed @MBuhari to the US on his 1st foreign trip as president to reinforce strong economic relations with Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/dxLaklAvul
— Penny Pritzker (@PennyPritzker) July 21, 2015Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and bestselling writer, “leans in” with some notable women in politics. Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, among other female politicians, met with Sandberg to talk about women’s leadership in an inspirational discussion.
Had an inspiring talk on women’s leadership with @sherylsandberg, @KellyAyotte, @joniernst, & @SenatorFischer today. pic.twitter.com/O8AxVTZBdB
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) July 21, 20159. Lena Dunham
Planned Parenthood has recently received flack after undercover videos were released framing the non-profit organization in a questionable light. Many politicians and public figures have hesitated to back Planned Parenthood, but renowned writer, actress, filmmaker and activist Lena Dunham unequivocally supports the organization using the hashtag #standwithPP.
Planned Parenthood has stood by women and their families for nearly 100 years. Now it's our turn to #standwithPP
— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) July 22, 201510. Rep. Diane Black
Yet like all things political, there are always people arguing on the other side. Congresswoman Diane Black from Tennessee is among the critics – Black expresses her staunch opposition to Planned Parenthood and has even introduced the “Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2015,” which would block federal funding to the organization.
Talked with @OANN today about why we must immediately #DefundPP. Look for our interview this evening. #ProLife pic.twitter.com/kfbUk2yxaY
— Diane Black (@RepDianeBlack) July 21, 2015Follow the women in politics list on Twitter.
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Zoe Elfenbein