Let’s Get More Women in Politics
With Kamala Harris being elected as our next vice president, we can’t help but take a good hard look at why this is such a historic win. Of course we’re thrilled and we’ve touched on why women of color in office is kind of a big deal, but let’s talk about how we can lift more women to work in politics.
First, the Facts
Women make up 51% of the U.S. population, but we only represent one-third of the nation’s elected leaders according to She Should Run. That doesn’t seem like an accurate representation of our country.
We’re also effective. “Women in Congress sponsor or co-sponsor more bills than men—meaning more gets done when women are in elected office. Women are more effective lawmakers,” says Dr. Christina Barsky, Assistant Professor of Public Administration & Policy at the University of Montana, citing this research.
What Gives? Where Are the Women?
Research has demonstrated that women are extremely qualified to hold positions of power, however we’re held to higher standards by voters, leading to significant differences between the quality of women and men officeholders. We have to fight even harder to prove our qualifications and this kind of gender discrimination is one the reasons why women across the country are less likely to run for public office.
And that’s just getting a woman to run. How about the women who are already campaigning for office? Well, 45% of U.S. adults – including 57% of women – believe many Americans not being ready to elect a woman to higher office was a major reason why there were fewer women than men in these positions.
We just can’t win (figuratively), can we?
Except, we can. Literally.
So Let’s Lift More Women Up
How can we encourage getting more women in office? The easiest and most important step we can take to create a government that better represents its people is to look at those who are already paving the way. Look up women candidates and officials, and if you align with their stances on issues, lift them up. Follow them in the news, share their social media posts to your circle, write letters, support their efforts, and help amplify their voices. And most importantly, vote for them.
Here’s another easy thing to do: ask a woman to run for office. Know of someone who is making strides in her community? Maybe you know someone who has great aspirations for her community and is a real go-getter. Simply encouraging her to run for office plants the seeds for change. She can start at the local level and move up. The sky’s the limit!
Curious about running for office? Organizations like She Should Run can help you or your friend get started.
Let’s not forget about our future leaders. Giving girls the idea early on that they can create a positive impact in their community can help pave the way for leadership. The future looks bright when you give children the tools and resources to take action at an early age.
Let’s Make This Happen
Here are great resources for you to learn more and take action:
Watch And She Could Be Next
Read this 2013 study out of American University: Girls Just Wanna Not Run: The Gender Gap in Young Americans’ Political Ambition
Find open offices and filing deadlines at Run for Office
Join Electable, a members-only community for people who identify as women or non-binary who want to campaign or help others run and win local elected office.