Work and Family
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.
Research News Roundup May 2021
Research Making the News Why these two policies are vital to working moms and post-pandemic recovery | Tanya Tarr | May 9, 2021 But do moms really want greeting cards, flowers or chocolate for Mother’s Day? “Working mothers and caregivers had a difficult time during [...]
All Work and Little Pay: IWPR Survey Shows Worrying Challenges for Working Mothers
IWPR’s new survey finds that, on the heels of the economic downturn, working mothers are skeptical about their ability to achieve equal pay. They also report being worried about paying bills and balancing work and family demands. Paid leave and health care are top priorities.
What Women Want: IWPR National Survey Details Priorities for the New Administration
A new National Survey by IWPR finds in first 100 days and beyond, affordable, high-quality healthcare, getting the economic recession under control, and job creation are top priorities for women for the new Administration and Congress. Women have been most affected by the COVID-incited economic downturn
Research News Roundup November 2020
Research Making the News A grim test case on how progressive paid-leave and child care policies failed to close the gender pay gap Market Watch | Andrew Keshner | November 17, 2020 The U.S. needs measures like a universally available child care system to help [...]
Stepping Up to Lead: Women Re-Shaping America’s Leadership, Politics & Priorities
Women comprise more than 50 percent of the U.S. population but currently hold just 23 percent of elected seats in Congress and about 1 in 3 state legislative seats. In 2018, a record number of women were elected to office—117 women, including 42 women of color—bringing their expertise, diverse experiences, and agenda for broad and inclusive change to Congress and state legislatures across the country.
The Status of Women In North Carolina: Political Participation
The Status of Women in North Carolina: Political Participation presents data on several aspects of women’s involvement in the political process in North Carolina, comparing North Carolina to other states and the United States overall.
