WPI's WeLead campaign training program successfully positions young professional women to serve in a political leadership position, and the Fundraising Challenge lets them practice the critical skill of asking for support. Please join our work to close the gender gap in political leadership. 
Give to the Challenge Now

Gender on the Ballot is a nonpartisan project of AU’s Women & Politics Institute that examines and contextualizes gender dynamics in American politics. Originally co-founded by WPI and the Barbara Lee Family Foundation in 2019, Gender on the Ballot contributes to the dialogue on gender and politics through accessible content from experts and practitioners.

As the 2024 election comes into focus, Gender on the Ballot and the BSG explores the issues shaping women voters and their political opinions leading up to the 2024 election.

As Americans begin to cast their votes, our new study shows Vice President Kamala Harris enjoying strong support among women voters. Her favorability has jumped +12 points since last year and she holds a +15 point advantage with women over former President Trump (54%-39%) entering the final month of the campaign. Furthermore, Harris is favored +18 points among Independent women, (50%-32%). In terms of issues, women voters cite “the economy and inflation” as their top concern, with abortion and immigration as their second and third choices. Across the board, women say they trust Harris more than Trump on these key issues.

To learn more about this new research, check out our Gender on the Ballot website where you will find key takeaways, memo, and our press release.

Intentionality and a Whole of Government Approach are Key to Ensuring Federal Policies Protect and Promote Gender Equity and Equality: WPI Instructor Amanda Fuchs Miller, former senior designee for the Gender Policy Council, maintaining the GPC is vital for advancing gender equity and ensuring women and girls remain a priority in future policymaking.

Understanding the Gender Health Gap: Maaike Steinebach, Femtech founder, aims to close the gender health gap by improving access to care, addressing underrepresented conditions, and fostering inclusivity. Despite challenges, Femtech offers hope for achieving greater healthcare equity for women worldwide.

The following core courses will be offered in Spring 2024 for the Women, Policy and Political Leadership (WPPL) Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs. View all WPPL courses here and learn more about the certificate program here.

Check out all event recaps here, or visit our Crowdcast channel here to watch full replays of previous events.

Oct 23: Nancy LeaMond, EVP and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer at AARP, Margie Omero, Principal at the polling firm GBAO, and Kristen Soltis Anderson,  Founding Partner at Echelon Insights, discussed findings from their latest She’s the Difference poll on issues of importance to women voters 50+ leading up to the 2024 elections with WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch full replay.

Oct 16: Following a screening of Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, co-producers/co-directors Christy Carpenter WCL/’95 and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Abby Ginzberg discussed the impact and legacy of this influential feminist leader with Washington Post Political Columnist Karen Tumulty and Zakiya Thomas, President and CEO of the ERA Coalition and the Fund for Women's Equality. Watch full replay.

Oct 9: Amanda Hunter, Lindsay Vermeyen, and Betsy Fischer Martin presented findings from our new Gender on the Ballot poll “She Votes: From Issues to Impact,” conducted by BSG, that explored the issues shaping women voters and their political opinions. POLITICO’s National Political Reporter Elena Schneider shared reporting on the campaign. Watch full replay.