WOMEN

IN POLITICAL

LEADERSHIP

Women have come a long way in political leadership very quickly. Since 1971, the number of women serving in state legislatures has more than quintupled, and more women are expressing interest in running than every before. But women are still vastly underrepresented at the federal and state level. The reasons why range from limited recruitment to family obligations to self-doubt, and the repercussions of their lack of representation are felt across policy decisions that affect all levels of government.

A SNAPSHOT

WHY WOMEN DON'T RUN

AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL

Women hold 127 of the 535 seats in the 116th U.S. Congress

Women hold 25 of the 100 seats in the Senate

Women hold 102 of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who was the first woman Speaker of the House, resumes her role as Speaker of the House.

Imposter Syndrome

Lack of Support

Women are more likely to see themselves as unqualified. Even when they're equally or more qualified than comparable men, who do believe they're qualified.

The support networks that provide introductions, funding, and endorsements are often closed to new faces and new kinds of faces.

Lack of Recruitment

Fear of Sexism

AND WHY THEY SHOULD

Women are less likely to be approached than men to run for office.

Women frequently cite wanting to avoid the treatment they see of female candidates on a national stage.

New perspectives in office means new ideas, especially around issues affecting women and families, and women introduce more new legislation generally than men.

Women who do run win just as often as as male candidates, at all levels of government

New Ideas

More Collaboration, Less Corruption, and Bolder Proposals

Women Are Just as Likely to Win

Study after study shows that women are more likely to reach across the aisle, are embroiled in far fewer corruption scandals and introduce more, bolder proposals.