You are here: ĢƵ School of Public Affairs Women & Politics Institute

Women & Politics Institute

The Women & Politics Institute provides practical and academic training that encourages women to become involved in the political process and facilitates research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in the political arena.

WeLead Campaign Training Program

WL 20th Logo
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of WeLead's non-partisan campaign training program, and your support allows us to continue to offer the training at no cost to admitted applicants. Thank you for believing in our mission to close the gender gap in political leadership!

Gender on the Ballot

is a nonpartisan project of ĢƵ’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.

Building wealth  04.15.2025 300x200

: Maddie McClung, Research and Advocacy Manager at The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, discusses how women building financial wealth can lead to greater representation in decision-making roles and drive systemic changes that benefit entire communities.

unqualified  04.22.2025 300x200 (1)

: Sophia Joseph, a student at ĢƵ argues that Kamala Harris’s loss in the 2024 presidential election was not due to lack of qualifications, but rather the result of deeply rooted racism and misogyny—specifically misogynoir, the intersection of racism and sexism that targets Black women.

Fall 2025 WPPL Courses

Fall 2025 Courses (2)
These core courses are being offered in Fall 2025 for the Women, Policy and Political Leadership (WPPL)andCertificate Programs. View all WPPL courseshereand learn more about the certificate programhere.

WPI 'Women on Wednesdays' Recaps

Check out all event recapshere, or visit our Crowdcast channelto watch full replaysof previous events.

see jane run 200x300

Apr 16: Co-authors Dr. David E. Campbell and Dr. Christina Wolbrecht discussed their new book, , with WPI’s Exec. Director Betsy Fischer Martin. The authors present vast evidence to show that when women hold elected office, they leave enduring impressions on young people across party and gender. .

Post Event 200x300 Liz Carpenter (1)Oct 16:Following a screening ofShaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, co-producers/co-directorsChristy CarpenterWCL/’95 andAbby Ginzbergdiscussed the impact and legacy of this influential feminist leader withWashington PostPolitical ColumnistKaren TumultyandZakiya Thomas, President & CEO of the ERA Coalition and Fund for Women's Equality..

Post AARP 2024 200x300
Oct 23:Nancy LeaMond, EVPand Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer at AARP,Margie Omero, Principal at the polling firm GBAO, andKristen Soltis Anderson,Founding Partner at Echelon Insights,discussed findings from their latest She’s the Differenceon issues of importance to women voters 50+ leading up to the 2024 elections. .

Student Blog Submission (Twitter Post) (1)

This is a chance for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students to share their knowledge and insight with others committed to closing the gender gap in political leadership. Review the guidelines.

2024 WoW website

Check back soon!

Upcoming Events

Join Vital Voices Live: An Intimate Conversation with Karlie Kloss

Wednesday April 23rd, 2025 • 4:30 pm
Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women's Leadership, 1509 16th Street NW, Washington, DC

View all events

GOTB logo

and theexplored the issues shaping women voters and their political opinions leading up to the 2024 election. To learn more about this new research, check out ourwhere you willfind,, and our.

Gender on the Ballot Poll: She Votes 2024

She Votes: From Issues to Impact-Women's Voices Shaping the 2024 Agenda brings women's concerns and priorities into sharp view. Nearly half of all women said this will be the most important election of their lifetime - a 29% increase over 2023.

Gender on the Ballot: Weekly Media Round Up

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news + gender analysis in politics.

WPI Newsletter

Sign up for the WPI Newsletter to view recent highlights and learn about upcoming opportunities and events.