As one administration ends and a new one begins, members of the Government of the Student Body said they hope to see increased female participation in the senate.

GSB President Andy Tofilon and Vice President Charlie Johnson were inaugurated April 10, putting leadership roles back into the hands of men.

Lisa Dlouhy, former GSB vice president, said it is becoming more acceptable for women to be involved in politics, but they tend to just be timid.

“I don’t think it’s hard for women to get involved at the student government level,” said Dlouhy, senior in pre-business. “I think a big part of it is connections and who you know.”

Women made up about 30 percent of the 2000-2001 GSB senate, with 11 females sitting on the 36-member senate. The 2001-2002 senate, sworn in during the April 10 inauguration, has 10 females who make up about 28 percent of the 35-member body.

Jennifer Ray, American ethnic minority senator, said she would like to see more female involvement in GSB.

“I wish more women were involved and willing to take a chance with GSB,” said Ray, sophomore in apparel merchandising, design and production.

Brooke Sergeant, LAS senator, said the lack of women may be more due to a lack of interest.

“It’s not difficult for women to get involved in GSB whatsoever,” said Sergeant, sophomore in political science. “I think women have a lot to add to GSB and need to share their ideas.”

Debbie Kattenhorn, president of the ISU Democrats, said women need to just take that first step to get involved.

“Taking that first step is the hardest part,” said Kattenhorn, senior in political science. “I found as long as women will take some initiative, you will be welcomed.”

Another part of the intimidation factor for women is that it seems only men are involved in student government, she said.

“The majority of people think more about men being involved, but if you just show the interest, they are more than willing to have you help and join the team,” Kattenhorn said.

Ray said being a woman making the first move can sometimes be a little overwhelming.

“Men seem to dominate the campus,” she said. “I think there’s a lack of confidence in women to just take that first step.”

Ben Golding, former GSB president, said he can understand the intimidation factor and keeping women involved in GSB has been a priority this year. He said there is an impression of GSB being a “boy’s club,” but that it really isn’t the case.

“Lisa has worked very hard to keep women involved and let them know there’s a place for them here,” Golding said. “We can’t have this be a boy’s club, and we won’t let it get that way.”