Is it enough to get more women in power?

Despite losing the election, Sarah Palin's nomination for vice presidential candidate was hailed in some quarters as a victory for women - and even for feminism. But many women (including myself) felt extremely uncomfortable celebrating her nomination - even purely as a victory for women's representation in 'high politics' - given her stance on issues like reproductive rights, gay rights, environmental issues, access to healthcare and support for rape survivors. As Sarah Seltzer at the Huffington Post noted: "Just because Sarah Palin is a woman, doesn't mean she's good for women." (See also Jezebel)

So we got to thinking (if you'll excuse the Carrie Bradshaw moment)... is it enough to get more women represented at all levels of politics (from grassroots to government) or do they need to be the 'right' women? That is, women who will fight for women's rights and encourage other women to join them? Women who also represent marginalised groups in society and will fight for equality in all areas? And if that's the case, doesn't that mean we all have a responsibility to make sure we step up to the plate ourselves? Would a website like www.sheshouldrun.org for the UK help?

And it's not just me who's been pondering this issue:

• Vivienne Hayes (WRC CEO) argues that women's organisations are a vital part of the struggle to get a diverse range of women into positions of influence
• Nan Sloane (Centre for Women & Democracy) requests a little more understanding for women brave enough to enter the lion's den of politics
• Councillor Anjana Patel, Joella Hazel (Fawcett Society), Lee Chalmers (The Downing Street Project) and Ros Taylor (Comment is Free) have their say...