The importance of a women running for office has been a topic highlighted by the 2016 election and it has continued after Donald Trump’s win and inauguration in to the White House as President.
At the Women’s March in Washington, female politicians echoed the importance of females in office once again.
Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List, an organization committed to elect pro choice democratic women in this country, stated, “They [Donald Trump and cabinet members] are going to tear apart our rights and our opportunities but here is the thing, you should be the one writing the laws, you should be one writing the policies and at Emily’s list, we will stand with you.”
“We have got two choices, my friends, we either run for office or we support a sister who is running for office,” she added. “That’s what we are going to do and together, we are going to win.”
Non-profit, She Should Run, has been advocating for female leaders since 2008 but in April of 2016, the campaign turned in to a movement. The organization, in partnership with Geometry Global launched a campaign that went viral and encouraged thousands of women to pledge to run for office. The campaign included a book for children called “See Joan Run.”
“See Joan Run is the ultimate inspiration for any woman who is ready to make an impact with her leadership,” Erin Loos Cutraro, Co-founder & CEO of She Should Run told DIVERGE. “It was a fantastic catalyst and continues to inspire people today.”
“The urgency of women’s equal representation in government even clearer than it was before—just ask the 7,000+ women who have pledged to run for office through She Should Run since the election,” she added. “Enthusiasm for taking action is spiking, as we saw with the massive women’s marches, and this is spurring even more nominations.”
The website lets you download the book, tell a woman to run (at the bottom of the page) or share on social media with useful stats and things you can say.
“As more and more women across the political spectrum step up to lead, it’s on us to step up and support them on their journeys,” Cutraro added.
“Joan’s story is for the Angelas, Mayas, Jessicas, every woman who wants to run, and anyone who agrees that now, more than ever, we need more women in office,” she added. “Joan is asked, she runs, she wins, and she makes a difference—now is the time for more women to know that they can do the same.”
