Op-Eds
October 3, 2023
Here is an excerpt from the article:
Women’s representation in governance is crucial, not just as a means of achieving descriptive representation but also for creating better policy outcomes driven by an elected body that represents its constituents. Women politicians are more likely than men to introduce and sponsor bills that relate to “women’s issues,” such as healthcare, childcare, education, housing, crime, and social welfare. Women also reach across party lines more often than men, contributing to inclusive lawmaking.
In the 2021 city council elections, New York City made history. Women went from holding under one-fourth (24%) of the 51 seats to women of color holding a majority (61%). Research conducted by RepresentWomen shows that four factors unique to New York City led to this election result
1. Term limits meant 35 of the 51 council seats were open.
2. NYC’s matching funds programs amplified small donations allowing women, who tend to benefit more from small donors, to boost their campaign funds.
3. Ranked choice voting was used for the primary elections.
4. Candidate-focused organizations such as The New Majority NYC uplifted women candidates through endorsements, training, and mentorship.
New York City’s women majority council provides a high-profile example of how impactful women’s representation is. Having a city council with members who have shared lived experiences with their constituents allows for all voters, especially those who are often marginalized, to have a voice.
“We know that legislators legislate based on their lived experience, and now thanks to RepresentWomen's research we can point to the tangible impact that the women-majority New York City Council has had on policy.
– Liuba Grechen Shirley, CEO and Founder of Vote Mama
Read the full article here.
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