Getting more women involved in politics is a goal for one Southern Tier group. Party members came together for the 4th Annual Democratic Women's Conference in Binghamton on Saturday. Time Warner Cable News Reporter Brittani Moncrease attended the event and spoke with local leaders about why they think more women need to join the discussion.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- They came from across the Southern Tier and along the Finger Lakes, promoting change through representation.
"They're a force of nature. When you get women together with like-minded causes and like-minded values, they're a force to be reckoned with," said Kim Myers, New York 22nd Congressional Candidate.
The goal of the 4th Annual Democratic Women's Conference is to get more women into politics.
Members said women make up nearly half the country's population, but that percentage is disproportionate to the make-up of government.
"There are some states that still have not had women representing the state in the senate or house. There are some states that haven't had a woman in either the house or the United States Senate," said Basil Smikle, Jr., New York State Democratic party executive director.
Women, here, said 20 to 30 percent of political representation is enough to make change.
"We are making progress, but we have a long way to go. If you're not at the table you're on the menu," said Leslie Danks-Burke, New York State Senate 58th District Candidate.
That's what officials are trying to avoid, by addressing a variety of issues like family care and ethics reform.
"While we sometimes categorize issues as women's issues, they are sometimes not. They're American issues. They affect all of us," said Smikle.
"One exciting moment as president was when I saw women step up to run for highway superintendent which tends to be a job held by men," said Danks-Burke.
It's those steps that women said they're proud of.
"Studies and history show that the best way for women to make advances is for them to have critical actors," said Jay Newton-Small, Time Magazine's Washington correspondent and conference keynote speaker.
Democratic Presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton is supported by these women, many unhappy with her treatment as a candidate.
"Is she qualified to run for office? In ways that you probably wouldn't ask a man running for the same position with her amount of experience," said Newton-Small.
However, many here are hoping she gets the job done.
"We're going to be celebrating the 100th year of women's suffrage in NYS next year. For 100 years later, it would be really something to see our first woman president," said Donna Lupardo, New York State assemblywoman.
Something they believe could encourage future generations of women.