The 116th Congress Is the Most Diverse Ever. How Will That Affect Legislation?
Research shows that having more women, more people of color, and more LGBTQ people makes for a more productive, bipartisan, and responsive legislature.
Women
Viewfinder: Protests Continue in India After Two Women Enter One of the Country's Holiest Temples
Clashes broke out in southern India for a second day on January 3rd as Hindu hardliners went on a rampage, seeking to enforce a general shutdown in protest over two women entering Sabarimala Ayyapa.
Scenes From the Swearing in of the Historic 116th Congress
A total of 127 women were sworn in to the 116th Congress as part of the most diverse class ever.
Inside the Water Rights Battle Between the Mexican Government and the Mazahua
The State of Mexico is a nexus for a dispute between the government and the women-led activists of one of the country's largest indigenous groups.
Women's Success in the 2018 Mid-Terms Is About More Than a Blue Wave
Media outlets have been quick to attribute women's electoral achievements to Democrats but the reality is more complicated than that narrative suggests.
As Votes Roll In, Fresh Records for Women's Representation in U.S. Government Are Within Reach
By the morning after Election Day, America knew the number of women in the House of Representatives would hit historic highs. Could the Senate and governors' mansions, too?
How a Record Number of Female Candidates Translated Into Numbers of Women in Power
A record number of women ran for some of the nation's highest offices this year. Here's how they've influenced the gender make-up of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the states' governors.
Parental Leave Laws Encourage Breastfeeding
However, new research finds this effect is limited to wealthier women.
The Economic Implications of Domestic Abuse
In a new report, 73 percent of respondents said they stayed with an abusive partner because of economic reasons.
What's Next for the Violence Against Women Act?
One congresswoman wants to use the landmark legislation to close the boyfriend loophole for domestic abusers.
Masculine Traits Are Still Linked to Leadership
When defining an effective leader, traditionally feminine characteristics are considered secondary to attributes like assertiveness.
To Most People, All-Male Lawmaking Bodies Are Seen as Less Legitimate
Americans are uncomfortable with men making decisions about women's rights.
Rural Voters Remain Reluctant to Vote for Female Candidates
Research finds voters in these heavily Republican areas are less likely to support obscure office-seekers with feminine-sounding names.
The Role of Women's Anger in Trump's America
Two new books argue that women's anger has new political force in the age of Trump.
Letter From Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Inside a Safe House for Ethiopian Women
Set off of one of Addis Ababa's main streets is a secret, self-enclosed village. In that village, girls like Raissa—some as young as 11 years old—fleeing bride abduction, early marriage, and other harmful practices have found a refuge.
Women Are Superior Wordsmiths From an Early Age
By fourth grade, girls are better than boys at reading and, especially, writing. New research finds this gap then increases as they get older.
Women in STEM Benefit From Same-Sex Support
Fewer females drop out of doctoral programs if they have a significant number of same-sex peers.
The Slow Silencing of Sexism at the Symphony
This season, works by women composers are being featured more frequently by many American orchestras. Mozart and Schubert, meet Mazzolli and Shaw.
California Is About to Become the First State to Require Companies to Have Women on Their Boards
New legislation would require all publicly held companies based in California to have at least one woman on their boards starting next year.
Hit Movies Have More Female Characters—and Stronger Ones Too
New research finds females still make up a minority of the onscreen population, but they are depicted more often in leadership roles.
Stories You Might Have Missed This Week
California considers mandating publicly held companies to include women on their boards of directors, a judge stymies the Trump administration's deportation efforts, and the Mendocino Complex Fire makes history.
To Address a Shortage of Charcoal and Firewood a Kenyan Village Is Repurposing Human Waste
The government has banned logging in the country for three months, driving cooking fuel prices through the roof.
Girls-Only Trade Classes Are Becoming More Popular—and They're Upending Gender Stereotypes
Girls-only shop classes are gaining traction, and the timing is right: A shortage of skilled workers is driving up wages in male-dominated trades such as auto repair, construction, and welding. But educators say these classes offer more than job prospects. They are also a source of empowerment.
How Middle-Aged Women May Save American Democracy
Harvard University political scientist Theda Skocpol argues the conservative takeover of the federal government has a silver lining for liberals: It is inspiring more activism.