Though women comprise over 50 percent of the world’s population, they continue to be under-represented in public affairs. 

Today, women comprise less than 20 percent of legislators worldwide. In the United States, despite women’s major advances in higher education and in the workforce over the past few decades, women hold fewer than 20 percent of the seats in the US Congress and fewer than 25 percent of state legislative seats while only 5 of 50 Governors are women. Despite representing more than half of voters in 2012, women are 50 percent less likely than men to run for political office in the United States. 

The Goldstein Program in Public Affairs recognizes the important role that women have to play in public affairs. The Women in Public Affairs Program was developed to promote awareness about the role of women in civic and political life. The Program seeks to educate, support, and mentor students through a series of lectures, symposia, workshops and experiential opportunities.

Sponsored Activities 

Public Leadership Education Network Seminars

Each year PLEN sponsors conferences in which women students are able to meet with women professionals in politics, law, and public policy to discuss significant issues and examine professional career opportunities. Conferences focus on Women and Congress, Women and Public Policy, and Women and International Policy. Students who attend these conferences get an insider’s view of public issues and begin to make the contacts that will help them to pursue their career goals.

National Conference for College Women Student Leaders

For the past 28 years, the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) has offered unprecedented training and development for college women. At NCCWSL, hundreds of outstanding women learn from skill-building workshops, network with other college women, hear from inspiring keynote speakers, and attend the unforgettable Women of Distinction Awards ceremony and reception. More than 700 women gathered for NCCWSL 2013.