Posted by Elizabeth Hague, JD ’14, Harvard Women’s Law Association
Given the record-breaking number of women elected to public office, 2012 was undeniably a historic year for women in politics in the U.S. Still, women constitute only 19% of Congress. In light of that substantial gender gap, Friday’s Harvard Women’s Law Association Conference, 19%: When Will Women Have the Floor?, will explore what equality looks like, and how best to achieve gender parity in politics and public life.
The day-long conference in Milstein East features four exciting panels, including one moderated by HRP’s own Mindy Roseman. “Models from Abroad: International Pathways to Women’s Political Participation,” from 9:15-10:30 am, features four extraordinary women:
- Fawzia Koofi, Afghan parliamentarian and 2014 Presidential candidate
- Susan Markham, Director of Women’s Political Participation at the National Democratic Institute
- Cathy Allen, President of the Connections Group, an international political consultant and trainer
- And Dr. Mona Lena Krook, Associate Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University, an expert on women’s political participation internationally, particularly electoral quotas for women and minorities
The panelists will explore the political participation of women in the U.S. and around the globe, with a focus on how various electoral systems and laws influence representation. By exploring and critically examining international models that aim to increase women’s political participation, such as legislative quotas, we hope to gain a better understanding of the role of women in government internationally, and to learn lessons that may help advance women’s political participation in the U.S.
For more information or to register, please visit our conference website. We hope to see all of you there!
