We are extremely grateful for the thousands of donors who have made it possible for us to train young women to run for office for two decades! That's right, 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!
Support WPI

Gender on the Ballot is a nonpartisan project of AU’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.

Pink Bows and Pesky Ballots: Girlhood and Political Identity: In our first student blog, American University MA student Keaton Crouch explores outdated stereotypes about girlhood.

Understanding the Gender Health Gap: Maaike Steinebach, Femtech founder, aims to close the gender health gap by improving access to care, addressing underrepresented conditions, and fostering inclusivity. Despite challenges, Femtech offers hope for achieving greater healthcare equity for women worldwide.

The following core courses will be offered in Spring 2024 for the Women, Policy and Political Leadership (WPPL) Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs. View all WPPL courses here and learn more about the certificate program here.

Check out all event recaps here, or visit our Crowdcast channel here to watch full replays of previous events.

Oct 23: Nancy LeaMond, EVP and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer at AARP, Margie Omero, Principal at the polling firm GBAO, and Kristen Soltis Anderson,  Founding Partner at Echelon Insights, discussed findings from their latest She’s the Difference poll on issues of importance to women voters 50+ leading up to the 2024 elections with WPI Executive Director Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch full replay.

Oct 16: Following a screening of Shaking It Up: The Life and Times of Liz Carpenter, co-producers/co-directors Christy Carpenter WCL/’95 and Abby Ginzberg discussed the impact and legacy of this influential feminist leader with Washington Post Political Columnist Karen Tumulty and Zakiya Thomas, President & CEO of the ERA Coalition and Fund for Women's Equality. Watch full replay.

Oct 9: Amanda Hunter, Lindsay Vermeyen, and Betsy Fischer Martin presented findings from our new Gender on the Ballot poll “She Votes: From Issues to Impact,” conducted by BSG, that explored the issues shaping women voters and their political opinions. POLITICO’s National Political Reporter Elena Schneider shared reporting on the campaign. Watch full replay.