Reader, allow us to introduce you to RepresentWomen, the leading group in highlighting and dismantling systemic and structural obstacles to ensure gender parity in elected office.
What's that? You were miles ahead of them and already know about their amazing work? Well done. We knew you were smarter than us.
Just about 10 days ago, Jen got the chance to talk with RepresentWomen's Founder and one of the People's Review: Live! panelists, Cynthia Richie Terrell. She tells it like it is:
"Women make up more than half of the U.S. population, yet the majority of elected and appointed positions in government are held by men."
And, she goes on to say, "Political insiders control who gets recruited to run for office, partisanship and winner-take-all voting often determines who wins, and antiquated legislative rules impact who can serve and lead."
The problem isn't just convincing more women candidates to run for office. The problem is there are structural and institutional barriers that limit women's odds of success at every stage of the electoral process.
One more time for the people in the back:
There are structural and institutional barriers that limit women's odds of success at every stage of the electoral process.
So what do we do about it?
According to RepresentWomen, "Recruiting women to run for office is one of the central challenges to achieving gender parity in the United States. RepresentWomen challenges political parties, PACS, and donors to commit to intentional actions to ensure that more women are recruited to run. These voluntary targets mimic the quotas that are used in over 100 nations to fuel the election of women candidates."
There are roles for parties, PACs, and donors—and for the rest of us. During the panel, we talked about structural changes as well as what happens when women vote. Because when we address structural barriers to civic participation and voting (spoiler alert!) we elect more diverse leaders.
Including more women.
Missed the conversation and want to check it out? It's right here for your viewing pleasure! And, our fav, Nick Reynolds attended and had some things to say about women's representation in the state. If you haven't already read is great piece from last Sunday's Casper Star Tribune (its on the COVER!), check it out right here.
And get involved! The primaries are coming. Get registered, get your friends registered, get your absentee ballot submitted, get out the vote.
When women vote, the world changes.
p.s.—The whole thing was also featured in MsMagazine! Just in time for your weekend reading: It's Time for a New Social Contract.
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