If you’ve been avoiding the news for the last – well – 5 to 10 years, I don’t blame you. It sometimes feels like a constant bombardment that seems to be going from bad to worse and that can take a toll on anyone’s mental health.

Now, we get to throw in a presidential election which has felt like political whiplash every time you turn on your news platform of choice.

The good news is that we are starting to see more women in politics which I’m hoping helps us balance out on some issues. (See Katie Porter’s rant about universal childcare). According to a 2023 article from the Pew Research Center, “Counting both the House of Representatives and the Senate, women account for 153 of 540 voting and nonvoting members of Congress. That represents a 59% increase from the 96 women who were serving in the 112th Congress a decade ago, though it remains far below women’s share of the overall U.S. population. A record 128 women are serving in the newly elected House, accounting for 29% of the chamber’s total. In the Senate, women hold 25 of 100 seats, tying the record number they held in the 116th Congress.”

The Benefits of Female Representation in Politics

As Tina Fey once said about being the only female writer on SNL, “I feel like, the more diverse the room, in every way, smoother sailing. People behave themselves better, the cream will rise differently.”

This can also apply to the political world. Let’s look at how having more women in the room can help the country.

1. Diverse Perspectives and Solutions: Women bring diverse experiences and perspectives that are crucial in shaping comprehensive policies. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said, "Women in leadership can look at policy from different angles and offer holistic solutions that can benefit everyone." Diverse viewpoints lead to more inclusive and effective legislation addressing the needs of all citizens.
2. Focus on Social Issues: Historically, women in politics have been strong advocates for social issues such as healthcare, education, and family leave. Vice President Kamala Harris has emphasized, "Women often prioritize policies that uplift families and communities, ensuring that our future generations have a better foundation."
3. Improved Governance: Research indicates that increased female representation can lead to better governance. A study by the World Bank found that higher rates of female participation in government correlate with lower levels of corruption. Women often push for greater transparency and accountability, enhancing the overall integrity of political institutions.
4. Role Models for Future Generations: Having more women in politics serves as an inspiration for young girls and women, showing them that they too can aspire to and achieve leadership positions. As former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton remarked, "Every woman who steps up and says, 'I will' is a role model for the next generation."

So, how can you continue to help more women step into the political arena? It might be through donations to campaigns. In the next piece, we’ll talk about where your campaign dollars go and how you can make sure you’re donating to the causes you believe in.