Breaking Down Barriers for Women in Politics

This article profiles seven state lawmakers who discuss the challenges they've faced and share opportunities that could make our democracy more reflective of the people it represents, mentioning RepresentWomen and our work. Read an excerpt below.

It's not just a hard job; it’s a risky one.

A 2022 survey from The Pipeline Fund, a Pivotal Ventures partner, found that 61 percent of women candidates experienced harassment during their campaigns. The lawmakers we spoke with shared some of the troubling stories behind the data. Virginia State Delegate Irene Shin said she regularly receives abuse that fetishes her as an Asian woman. “It’s not unusual for me to find a death threat in my inbox,” she said.

Understandably, widespread threats of violence and harassment have a chilling effect on many women’s willingness to run for office and their ability to do their job once elected. That’s why, as part of our work to remove systemic barriers to women’s representation, Pivotal is partnering with organizations working on democracy reforms, like Represent Women, and increasing security protections for women once in office, like States United—and ensuring that all of these efforts center women of color.

Read the full article here.

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