New Jersey Assembly Bill AR95

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Passed: 3/24/22

Caption

Celebrates 50th anniversary of Center for American Women and Politics.

Impact

The resolution aims to celebrate the center's significant contributions to advancing women's roles in politics through education and outreach. The center has conducted thorough research, offered training, and created programs designed to empower women in their political aspirations. This focus on education plays a crucial role in fostering a new generation of female leaders, thereby promoting a more inclusive democracy that better reflects the population it serves. By encouraging women's political engagement, the center attempts to dismantle barriers that have historically kept women from leadership positions in government.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 95, introduced in the New Jersey 220th Legislature, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Center for American Women and Politics. This center, established in July 1971 at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University, aims to increase and promote women's political participation and representation. The resolution reflects on the historical underrepresentation of women in elective public office, which has been persistent since the founding of the nation. When the center was created, women held only 3% of congressional seats, a figure that has only risen to 27% over the past five decades.

Contention

While the resolution serves as a celebration of progress, it also highlights ongoing disparities in representation. Despite the advancements made, women's presence in political offices is still considerably below parity, suggesting that more efforts are needed. The center continues to work on various initiatives, including programs like Ready to Run and Teach a Girl to Lead, which aim to address these disparities directly. The conversation surrounding women's representation remains relevant and essential to ensuring that governance includes the voices of all constituents.