As we inch closer to November, voters are beginning to consider who to vote for – and female candidates are often not an option on their ballots. A Cosmopolitan survey sponsored by Pivotal Ventures, a company founded by Melinda French Gates to accelerate social progress and expand women’s power and influence in the U.S., found American women want to see themselves in decision making roles but face structural barriers to get there.
Women want to see their peers in elected office, with more than four in five women (83%) saying having more women in elected office would have a positive impact. What’s more – 89% of American women say it's important for their own life that women can succeed across all levels of elected office.
Age plays a role in perceptions, with Gen Zers (54%) being more likely than other generations to point to inadequate pay as a challenge faced by women in politics.
Race is another significant factor, as Black women (59%) are more likely than Hispanic women (47%) and white women (45%) to say female politicians are criticized “much more” by other politicians.
Cosmopolitan, in partnership with Pivotal Ventures, also shared several female elected officials’ perspectives on life in elected office and their views on how the conversation around women’s politics can be moved forward. Check out the feature here.
On Wednesday, May 15, The 19th is hosting an event titled, “Equal Participants in Our Democracy”, with conversations focusing on the crucial role of women in office and in our broader democracy. If you’re in DC, please feel free to RSVP and join the discussions in person.