We need more women in politics. Here’s how you can help

By Kendra Seeley,

The New York Times recently wrote an article about how Republican women are in crisis due to the lack of women in elected office. The article goes on to name several reasons why Republican women have suffered electorally. In Utah, we have noticed this trend for quite some time and it has dominated the discussions that I have with my Republican female friends. As we look at the 2020 political landscape, here are some New Year’s resolutions that we can add to our list to help women be more involved in politics.

• Know a woman who would be perfect for public office? Tap them on the shoulder. Dr. Susan Madsen says, “Unless (women) think they’re pretty much perfect, they don’t step forward. They need people to ‘tap’ them on the shoulder sometimes 7-8 times before they start to consider it a real option.” Women need others to suggest they run for office multiple times before their brains actually start to think of it as an option.
• Encourage the younger women around you. We have all probably asked children what they want to be when they grow up. Many girls will say veterinarian, mother or teacher. Encourage them to add politician or president to their list. Help guide them to leadership programs, scholarship opportunities and encourage them to run for student government. Encourage them to enroll them in debate.
• Support good women who do run. Women who run for office have to raise funds just like anyone else and this is difficult for all candidates! Consider donating even $5 to female candidates that you support. Not just because they are female but because you believe in them.

Click here to read the full article published by Deseret News on 28 January 2020.