First-of-its-kind research shows gender gaps on appointed boards and commissions nationwide
KANSAS CITY, MO – March 20, 2024 – Today, United WE announced the results of its National Civic Engagement Research commissioned to collect data and analyze women’s participation on local appointed boards and commissions across the U.S. Of the 5,125 board seats analyzed, only 39% are occupied by women even though women make up just over half of the U.S. population, according to the research conducted by Openfields.
As the first national study of its kind, the National Civic Engagement Research is part of the United WE Institute’s effort to assess challenges and drive advances in women’s economic and civic participation for a greater future.
“This confirms that significant gender gaps still exist on local appointed boards and commissions nationwide indicating that boards do not reflect the diversity of the communities served,” says Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of United WE. “Government that reflects diversity increases public trust and enables effective and equitable policymaking to improve outcomes for all citizens.”
The National Civic Engagement Research also shows the following:
Women are especially underrepresented on Planning and Zoning boards, filling only 35% of seats. These especially powerful boards make highly impactful decisions about land use and development.
Women are underrepresented on boards in more than three-fourths of cities. At most, only 21 cities or 21.4% meet or exceed a 50% threshold of women on boards.
Women were also underrepresented on Parks and Recreation and Housing boards. On library boards, the only type where women were overrepresented, they occupy between five and six out of every 10 seats.
Even though the research exposes the gap, progress is being made through United WE’s Appointments Project® - which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year - and offers training and resources that inspire and equip women to serve. Hundreds of women have participated in the program, and many have been appointed to boards and commissions. Doyle encourages women to investigate board representation in their community, learn about open board positions, and seek an appointment.
“I know we can do better as individuals, local elected officials, and for our communities. We must take action to increase representation and gender balance,” says Doyle. “I want to emphasize that women already have the unique skills and experiences to bring to the table so I encourage them to apply to serve on a board or commission where they live.”
The report recommends cities and counties to take these steps:
Consider how factors like meeting times, locations and availability of childcare can be adjusted to better accommodate women’s participation.
Explicitly invite and encourage women to apply.
Disseminate more information about the appointments process itself. Many cities’ board pages list information about vacant seats, but fewer provide clear information about how residents can apply to fill those vacancies.
Publish comprehensive lists of appointed boards and commissions on government websites, along with information about members and term lengths,
This research continues United WE’s commitment to using research and action to advance all women’s economic and civic leadership. To date, more than 30 research studies addressing civic engagement, entrepreneurship, equal pay, and more have been completed. As a result, 23 laws have been enacted, nine executive orders placed, and 25 administrative actions have been made. To find out more, this research and all other studies are located at the United WE Institute.
Learn more about how United WE is creating meaningful change for all women at www.united-we.org.