Women are an important part of our community. After all, we do make up 50% of the population, but yet only hold a third of offices. If women want political leaders to care about what’s important to them, then we need more political leaders to be women. The number of women in office needs to rise if we want our voices heard and concerns addressed.
Women In Office
In order for a democracy to fully thrive, it must be a true representation of its people. The U.S. Congress is made up of 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 members of the Senate. Of those numbers, 125 members of the House and 25 members of the Senate are women. Of the 50 state governors, 12 are women. If we want to see federal numbers rise, more women need to hold offices in their communities.
One community has done just that. In 2024, St. Paul, Minnesota made history as the first, large U.S. city to elect an all female city council. The seven-member council is made up of women under the age of forty and six are women of color. Their priorities are to work on housing policies, renter protections, climate action and public safety.
If these women can do it, why not you?
The Impact of Women in Office
When women hold office they have a social impact on other women in their communities. They empower women. Studies show that women who live in states with female candidates for office are more politically engaged. In 1887, Susanna Madora Salter became the mayor of Argonia, Kansas. She was the world’s first woman mayor and her accomplishment had ripple effects. The next year, five more U.S. towns elected women mayors. Representation matters.
Women tend to be less polarized and are more likely to cross party lines to reach agreements. This is important for a community’s growth and the well-being of its residents. Female leaders bring the needs of minorities and women to the forefront and work to better their lives. When Roe vs. Wade was threatened to be overturned, Tucson, Arizona Mayor, Regina Romero led her city council in the passing of the “no arrest” resolution. This stated that physicians could not be arrested for performing abortions and those having abortions could not be arrested. Women in office make a difference. You can make a difference.
A study that focused on city councils showed that women spend more time doing constituency service than their male counterparts. Women’s style of leadership increases the productivity of the offices in which they serve. They bring to the table their problem-solving skills and the desire to work with others to achieve goals that better communities. St. Louis Mayor, Tishaura Jones, said, “Men run for office to be somebody; women run to do something.” During her term, St. Louis saw significant decreases in homicides, overall violence and youth violence.
Things to Consider Before Running for Office
- At what level of government would you like to make a difference? Local, county, state?
- What interests or concerns you terms of policy? Would you like to see the needs of the underserved brought to the forefront? Do you want to be an advocate for marginalized groups? When more women feel empowered to have a positive impact on their community, we will see the numbers of women in office rise.
- Are you willing to dedicate the time to the office? Many elected officials have other jobs and commitments in addition to their office duties. While holding office is certainly a time commitment, it may not require as much as you think.
- Are you qualified? The minimum age may be 18, but some offices may require you to be older. There may be residency and U.S. citizenship requirements as well as being free of any felony charges.
Remember, if you run and lose, you’ve still had an impact on those around you. Other women and girls will see your efforts. My daughter’s friend ran for our school board when she was in her early twenties. She lost, but she had made a positive impact. She helped organize a Black Lives Matter rally in our town and organized our first Juneteenth celebration, educating people on its significance. Her leadership rallied young women to these causes and their actions positively impacted our community.
By running, you’re continuing to pave the way for others to follow. By running, you’re helping to ensure that someday the number of women in office reflects our numbers in the population. Look into your city council, town board or school board. Or maybe become mayor.
Think you’re too young? In 2024, Brooke Huckaby made history by becoming the nation’s youngest female mayor. At age 21, she was elected mayor of Arabi, Georgia, a town of about 500 south of Atlanta. She hopes to establish a local police department.
Our communities need women leaders. Check out upcoming elections in your community because your community needs you.
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
MAYA ANGELOU
Yolanda DeLoach is an author, freelance writer and travel nurse. She lives in Wisconsin where she’s spending the second half of life learning to live with authenticity and self-awareness. Of course this is achieved while drinking great coffee.