Study reveals Missouri municipal boards and commissions are not reflective of the racial, ethnic and gender composition of the state
United WE today announced research conducted by the University of Missouri–St. Louis about women’s representation and racial diversity on Missouri municipal boards and commissions. The research found that boards and commissions in Missouri cities are not reflective of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the state.
The report, “Gender Parity on Civic Boards and Commissions in Missouri,” revealed findings that women and people of color are underrepresented broadly on boards and commissions. While Missouri is home to more women than men (50.6% women), women comprise only 36.9% of boards and commissions members. While 11.7% of the state’s population is Black, the data shows Black Missourians hold only 5.4% of seats on boards and commissions. White Missourians comprise 92.3% of members.
Factors such as municipal population, average household income, and average educational attainment were found to be largely unrelated to gender and racial parity on boards and commissions in Missouri. While the assumption is that larger municipalities will have better representation given the larger pool of members available to serve, the research found municipalities with fewer than 3,000 people have at least 50% female representation on 41.8% of their boards.
“At United WE, we believe all levels of civic engagement, including boards and commissions, should reflect the rich diversity of the communities they serve,” said Wendy Doyle, United WE President & CEO. “As we continue our mission to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership, United WE’s Appointments Project® plays a critical role to convene, connect and celebrate women on their civic leadership journey through a virtual network of support.”
Missouri women are especially underrepresented on “power boards” that have direct influence on policy making and financial resource allocation. Women in Missouri have the highest proportion of seats in stereotypically feminine areas, such as boards and commissions focused on the arts (60.07%), community development (52.95%), human rights (57.07%), and libraries (71.55%).
Conversely, primarily white men in Missouri have the highest proportion of seats on “power boards,” which include planning and zoning (74.82%), transportation (81.84%), budget and finance (72.74%), adjustments and appeals (78.85%), and public works (76.41%).
“The voices of women and people of color are diminished on influential boards that influence critical issues, such as home prices and environmental justice,” said Anita Manion, assistant professor of political science and affiliate faculty member in gender studies at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “This critical research intends to increase transparency and accessibility of information about boards and commissions to better inform policymakers, elected leaders, advocacy groups, and potential members of boards and commissions.”
The full research study is available here. To learn more about United WE’s Appointments Project® visit www.united-we.org/appointments-project.