From the AAUW: The year has barely begun, and women are already shattering records and making history. When the new Congress convened in January, nearly a quarter of its voting membership was comprised of women — the highest percentage ever. And women now hold roughly 28 percent of state executive positions. While women remain underrepresented in business, government and nonprofits — and even more progress is needed among the ranks of elected officials — this achievement is worth celebrating. After all, just 10 years ago, the percentage of women in Congress hovered around 16 percent. Having diverse new voices in policymaking will matter as AAUW embarks on an ambitious agenda to advance equity laws at the state and federal levels.
The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up many AAUW priorities this coming year, including the imminent introduction of the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963, help women challenge pay discrimination, and give employers incentives to comply with the law. Ask your members of Congress to co-sponsor this important legislation.