Reproductive Rights
The equal participation of women in politics and government is integral to building strong communities and a vibrant democracy in which women and men can thrive. By voting, running for office, and engaging in civil society as leaders and activists, women shape laws, policies, and decision-making in ways that reflect their interests and needs, as well as those of their families and communities.
Today, women constitute a powerful force in the electorate and inform policymaking at all levels of government. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in governments across the nation and face barriers that often make it difficult for them to exercise political power and assume leadership positions in the public sphere. This chapter presents data on several aspects of women’s involvement in the political process in the United States: voter registration and turnout, female state and federal elected and appointed representation, and state-based institutional resources for women. It examines how women fare on these indicators of women’s status, the progress women have made and where it has stalled, and how racial and ethnic disparities compound gender disparities in specific forms of political participation.
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Political Participation Rank and Score by State
Women, Disasters, and Hurricane Katrina
Major disasters during the last decade have pushed planners and researchers to examine more closely the disparities among those hurt when crises hit. Research suggests that women often suffer disproportionately in comparison to most men when disaster strikes, while the elderly, and people in poverty, are more vulnerable than those with more mobility and those with greater access to resources.
Status of Girls in Minnesota
The Status of Girls in Minnesota represents a collaborative effort by the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) to provide detailed information on the status of girls in Minnesota.
Status of Women in the States: 2004
Women in the United States have achieved significant advances and are seeing important changes in their lives. Their access to political, economic, and social rights has improved greatly over the past 40 years. Nonetheless, they do not enjoy equality with men, and they lack [...]
The Status of Women in the States: 2002
Women in the United States have achieved great advances and are seeing important changes in their lives. Their access to political, economic, and social rights has improved greatly over the past 20 years. Nonetheless, they do not enjoy equality with men, and they lack [...]
Status of Women in the States: 2000
An inclusive report that can be used to compare women's progress in each state over time. It provides national maps, data, and rankings for all the 50 states and the District of Columbia for each two-year cycle. All key indicators in the core areas of political participation, employment and earnings, social and economic autonomy, health, and reproductive rights are included.
Status of Women in the States: 1998
This inclusive report can be used to compare women's progress in each state over time. It provides national maps, data, and rankings for all the 50 states and the District of Columbia for each two-year cycle. All key indicators in the core areas of political participation, employment and earnings, social and economic autonomy, and reproductive rights are included.
