Girl Up USA’s introduction of youth-led long-form content, through LeadHER Voices, aims to amplify our mission of educating and empowering girls across the United States. By providing a platform for youth to share their passions and explore topics they care about, we create opportunities for them to educate others while deepening their understanding. This initiative will expand our reach, foster informed and meaningful discussions, and strengthen alignment with Girl Up’s values and goals.
PHOTO SOURCE: “Why Representation in Politics Actually Matters” by Sophie Vaughan (Teen Vogue) March 17, 2020
“If you do not have a seat at the table, you are on the menu,” said Candice Cho, Managing Director of Policy and Counsel with the AAPI Equity Alliance, during the 2024 Girl Up USA Youth Leadership Summit. As a first-generation Korean immigrant, I never imagined I would chair my Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, serve on Louisiana’s Model United Nations State Board, or lead policy initiatives to provide free menstrual products in our public schools. Growing up, I shared the all-too-common experience of struggling to find a political leader who looked like me or shared my experiences as a girl and a member of the AAPI community. To create a more inclusive political landscape, we must ensure that women have a seat at the table, not just in the voting booth.
Despite representing over half of the U.S. population, women have long been underrepresented in political offices. As of 2023, only 26% of the U.S. Senate and 28.7% of the House of Representatives are occupied by women. Historically, women have accounted for just 3.3% of all members of Congress, and even at the state level, women held only 32.7% of state legislature seats in 2023. As we navigate 2025, only 13 out of 50 states will be governed by women. This data underscores a stark yet improving disparity, with women consistently holding less than 40% of political offices, although the latest U.S. Census reports that women comprise 50.5% of the population. For far too many aspiring politicians like me, we grow up without female representatives, without female governors, and without female political executives.
The history of women in politics in the U.S. is marked by significant firsts, many of which were groundbreaking moments for their time. In my own experience, my high school Civics, United States History, and Government classes taught us about major events and figures like the signing of the Constitution or The New Deal. However, they rarely delved into the trials and triumphs of achieving gender equity in politics. I immigrated to the United States and grew up frustrated by the lack of education and empathy surrounding the recognition of achievements in gender equity within politics. So here we are, ready to dive into a few notable achievements collected from the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics to catch you up to speed!
- 1866: Following the Seneca Falls Convention—the first women’s rights convention calling for legal reforms including suffrage—Elizabeth Cady Stanton ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as an Independent from New York, despite being ineligible to vote.
- 1968: Shirley Chisholm, a Democrat from New York, became the first Black woman to serve in Congress. She remained in the House of Representatives until 1982, advocating for marginalized communities across America.
- 1997: Aida Alvarez, appointed as the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, became the first Hispanic woman and the first person of Puerto Rican heritage to hold a Cabinet-level position in a U.S. administration.
- 2012: Mazie Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, became the first Asian-Pacific Islander woman elected to the U.S. Senate, and only the second woman of color to serve in that body.
- 2021: Deb Haaland, appointed by President Biden as Secretary of the Interior, became the first Native American woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet.
Despite trailblazing achievements, women still face significant barriers to entering politics. Gender-based discrimination, societal expectations, and institutional biases continue to limit women’s full participation. Many report facing skepticism about their leadership abilities while impacted by unequal access to resources and a lack of female role models in political office.
Delaware Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to a state senate, addressed the ongoing stigma in a 2024 CBS News interview, saying, “I’m focused on rolling up my sleeves, diving into the details, setting up my office, and beginning the hard work of delivering for Delawareans on the issues that I know keep them up at night.”
PHOTO SOURCE: “Trans congresswoman Sarah McBride responds to Capitol Hill bathroom ban” by Léonie Chao-Fong and Joanna Walters (The Guardian) November 20, 2024
Similarly, Vice President Kamala Harris reflected on her struggles in a 2024 NBC interview, stating, “My challenge is the challenge of making sure I can talk with and listen to as many voters as possible and earn their vote. I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race, instead, that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges and inspire people.” Today, the fight for gender equity in politics starts at the voting booth and continues through scrutiny by the American public. However, the path to increasing female representation is not only a national concern but also a crucial priority for sustaining generational gender equity in politics.
From a youth perspective, engaging in activities such as Model United Nations, Mock Youth Legislature conferences, or youth advisory councils can inspire and equip girls to envision themselves as political leaders. Personally, I’ve always struggled with self-image, self-worth, and self-confidence. The idea of immersing myself in politics was never something I envisioned. Yet, through debates, discussions, and dialogues, I found my voice—all with the guidance of extracurriculars in policymaking and representing my communities on various political bodies. At Girl Up USA, we offer a variety of webinars and events for you to lobby representatives and register young, first-time voters, or lead skill-building workshops to educate people on political issues pertinent to your region. These opportunities empower young women to take on leadership roles and engage in politics, offering a chance to see women not just participating, but succeeding, in the political arena.
PHOTO SOURCE: “Five female progressive rising stars to watch in 2024” by Hanna Trudo (The Hill) October 13, 2022
While we continue to see strides in fields like STEM, media, sports, law, and activism, we must also ensure that young girls are empowered to take on political leadership. The presence of women in politics isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of progress. We need women in all sectors of society to create a balanced, representative, and inclusive future. For the next generation of aspiring politicians, seeing women lead is not just inspiring—it is essential for creating lasting, long-term change.
To kick-start or advance your journey into politics, here are some practical steps to help you get involved and build your leadership path.
For High School Students:
- Girls State: Participate in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State program, where you can learn about the workings of government and develop leadership skills by running for office and making decisions for your mock state.
- Summer Programs: Look for pre-college programs focused on politics, public policy, and leadership (like those offered by prestigious universities or through local civic organizations).
- Girl Up: Learn and advocate about issues you are passionate about. Girl Up equips young leaders ages 13-24 with advocacy training, leadership opportunities, and hands-on experience in civic engagement that serves as a great first step in your political journey.
For College Students:
- Internships: Apply to shadow or intern with local politicians, government agencies, or non-profit organizations focusing on policy and advocacy. These provide hands-on experience and insight into how the political system works and help you navigate a career in politics. Resources like American Political Science Association (APSA) supports political science students in their professional development.
- Join Campus Organizations: Participate in political clubs or student government to network with like-minded individuals and gain experience in organizing and campaigning Like the NAACP, Future Leaders of America,
- Attend Political Conferences: Look for conferences or seminars on political activism and leadership to engage with current issues and learn from experts like The Congressional Black Caucus, League of United Latin American Citizens, and more. From town halls to national conventions, even volunteering at events offers valuable opportunities to connect with people who can help advance your political journey.
In reflecting on women’s achievements in politics, let us also commit to fostering more opportunities for women to lead. By supporting female representation and participation in political spaces, we ensure that the next generation of leaders, regardless of gender, can shape a more equitable and just world.
Remember, if there’s no seat at the table for you, bring your own chair, roll up your sleeves, and redefine what is possible.
