Gender Exclusion in U.S. Politics: The Hard Truth

Gender exclusion remains a persistent issue across industries in America, and politics is no exception. While other developed nations have had women heads of state for generations, we’ve yet to put a single woman in the White House. But the problem goes further than that: at all levels of governance in the United States, women are underrepresented. 

What’s more, recent legislative actions are rolling back rights that were hard-fought and once considered settled. To build a more representative and inclusive democracy, we must actively dismantle gender exclusion in politics.

What Is Gender Exclusion in Politics?

Gender exclusion in politics is a systemic issue stemming from a variety of structural, societal, and cultural factors. 

Some aspects of gender exclusion in the American political system include:

• Stereotypes and Prejudices: Stereotypes often portray women as less capable or qualified than men when it comes to political leadership roles. Biases like these can discourage women from pursuing careers in politics.

• Lack of Representation: The underrepresentation of women in political offices perpetuates a cycle of gender exclusion. When women don't see others like them in positions of power, they’re less likely to consider it as a viable career option.

• Unequal Access to Resources: Women often face barriers to accessing the financial and social resources necessary for successful political campaigns, making it difficult for them to compete effectively.

• Discriminatory Campaign Practices: Discriminatory practices, such as negative campaigning with gender-based attacks and character assassinations, can deter women from running for office or force them out of the race.

• Harassment and Threats: Women in politics frequently endure harassment, threats, and intimidation, both online and in the real world, creating a hostile environment that discourages participation.

LEARN MORE: Elected officials are our first line of defense against discriminatory practices. Check out the requirements to run for public office to see if you’re eligible.

Gender Exclusion by the Numbers 

Gender exclusion in politics is more than a historical issue — it’s a persistent reality for many Americans. Despite decades of research and heated discussions surrounding the problem, the numbers show little progress in dismantling women’s exclusion from politics. 

So, where do women stand in politics in 2025? 

• Women comprise only 28.2% of our current Congress.

• Only 12 states have women governors. 

• Of the more than 7,000 state legislature seats in the United States, women hold 2,470 — that’s only 33.4%.

• Only 36 of the 100 most populous cities in the U.S. have a woman currently elected as mayor.  

Yet, as of 2024, women comprise 50.5% of the United States population. 

Women remain vastly underrepresented in the governing bodies that shape policy and law. Without a truly representative democracy, discussions of women’s rights, healthcare, and economic issues are often held without the perspectives of those most affected. However, addressing gender exclusion in politics isn’t just about fairness — it’s about ensuring a democracy that reflects the voices of all its citizens.

The Real Impact of Gender Exclusion

While it’s clear there’s disproportionate representation in elected offices, political gender exclusion also directly affects our communities and our country:

• Diminished Representation: When we exclude women from political decision-making, policies often fail to fully address their concerns and needs.

• Narrow Policy Focus: A lack of diverse voices in politics can limit policy decisions and prevent action on the concerns of women and marginalized communities.

• Reinforced Stereotypes: Gender exclusion in politics perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women's leadership abilities. It reinforces traditional gender roles and limits societal progress toward gender equality.

• Eroded Trust in Democracy: When the governing powers don’t represent a significant portion of the population, trust in the democratic process is eroded.

Combating Gender Exclusion in America

Citizens of all backgrounds must take action to begin breaking down the gender barriers and combating gender exclusion. Unfortunately, change doesn’t happen overnight, but some ways we all can start to encourage and empower women in politics include:  

#1: Fostering Early Engagement

Encourage women to engage with politics at an early age. Educational programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities help young women see themselves in leadership roles and develop an interest in politics.

#2: Challenging Stereotypes

Challenge and debunk stereotypes that undermine women in both politics and nearly every industry in America. We must actively call out and reject sexist comments, jokes, and portrayals in all facets of society.

#3: Supporting Independent Campaigns and Movements

Independent movements and organizations like GoodParty.org are working to dismantle exclusionary barriers by supporting diverse candidates outside the traditional two-party system. By empowering Independent voices and advocating for more accessible political opportunities, we can build a truly representative democracy that reflects the needs of all citizens. 

Want to learn more? Check out our map of where GoodParty.org empowered Independent candidates to run for office and win in 2024.

#4: Promoting Inclusive Campaign Practices

Political campaigns should adopt zero-tolerance policies for discriminatory practices and harassment. They should also refrain from smear tactics and character assassination in political campaigning. Ultimately, campaigns must monitor and report online harassment and take steps to protect all candidates from threats or intimidation.

#5: Reforming Campaign Finance

Campaign finance reform is essential to leveling the playing field for women. By reducing the influence of big donors in political campaigns, we can make it easier for women to run for office without needing to rely on establishment infrastructure or wealthy supporters.

LEARN MORE: Explore how publicly funded elections can empower marginalized candidates and reduce corruption.

#6: Implementing Gender Quotas

Quotas can encourage political parties to field and foster more female candidates. While the idea of a quota can be controversial in the United States, half of the world's countries already have some form of electoral quota in their government to ensure women make up at least a significant minority.

#7: Developing Political Networks for Women

Professional networking groups for women in politics are empowering. Not only do they provide advice and mentorship, but they also build a sense of community while helping women navigate the challenging world of politics.

#8: Addressing Intersectionality

Gender exclusion can affect women differently depending on factors like their race, class, or sexual orientation. We must address intersectionality in politics and find ways to combat gender exclusion that benefits all women.

#9: Encouraging Male Allies to Speak Out

Men speaking out plays a crucial role in combating gender exclusion. By encouraging male allies to advocate for gender equality and actively support female candidates, we can shift the political landscape.

#10: Prioritizing Civic Education and Awareness

All citizens should understand the benefits of having diverse voices at the decision-making table. By prioritizing civic education and awareness of gender diversity, we can dismantle barriers to entry for underrepresented people. 

LEARN MORE: Getting involved in local politics is a great way to promote civic education and engagement while making a tangible difference in your community. 

From Barriers to Progress: Fighting Gender Exclusion in Politics

Gender exclusion in politics hinders progress toward a truly inclusive and representative democracy. Gender parity in politics leads to better policies, stronger representation, and a more functional democracy. 

While many other developed nations have taken steps to address gender exclusion in their elected positions, our country has recently passed legislation that threatens women’s rights. By understanding the ways gender exclusion manifests itself and actively working to change the dynamic, we can begin to break down the barriers that hold women back. We can rebuild our government into a political system that truly represents our society's diversity and strength. 

If we want a truly representative democracy, it’s time to take action. GoodParty.org is working to break down barriers and support Independent candidates who represent real people, not party establishments.