How Many of Your State's Lawmakers Are Women? If You Live in the Southeast, It Could Be Just 1 in5.

Autor: Hawes, Jennifer Berry, Hwang, Irena
Předmět:
Zdroj: Pro Publica; Jan2024, p1-8, 8p, 2 Color Photographs, 3 Graphs, 1 Map
Abstrakt: A recent article from Pro Publica sheds light on the lack of female representation in state legislatures in the Southeastern United States. Despite a record number of women being elected to statehouses nationwide, the Southeast remains heavily male-dominated, with some legislatures consisting of over 80% men. This is concerning because these lawmakers are responsible for passing bills that disproportionately affect women, such as near-total abortion bans. The article delves into the experiences of female lawmakers in the region and the obstacles they face in advocating for women's rights. It also examines the impact of abortion restrictions on Black women, particularly in states where white men hold significant power in legislatures. The article highlights the historical context of white men controlling the reproductive rights of Black women and the ongoing devaluation of their health. Additionally, it explores the underrepresentation of Black women in state legislatures and the disproportionate impact of abortion restrictions on them. Personal stories of women affected by these restrictions are shared, along with their efforts to fight for women's rights. The article emphasizes the urgent need for increased representation and support for Black women in policymaking. [Extracted from the article]
Databáze: Complementary Index