About

The Center on Women and Public Policy partners with political scientists, non-profits and the Women's Foundation of Minnesota on several research and outreach projects designed to better understand and address barriers to gender parity in electoral leadership.

Professional Development and Networking for Elected Women

The Center on Women and Public Policy has worked with elected women at the state and local level to develop and carry out relationship building and skill building workshops and retreats.

Women Legislator Retreats

Annual Cross Level Networking Event (PDF)

Case Studies

The Center's case study project produced case studies in women and public policy. Cases focused on women and politics include:

"Caucus at Your Own Risk: Senator Sheila Kiscaden and the Minnesota Republican Caucus"

"Jane Swift: Motherhood in the Massachusetts Governor's Office"

"The Power to Choose"

Other Past Projects

Front Runners A monthly program to inspire and assist women students interested in running for office.

Collaborative Campign Training Program A cohart style program providing in-depth campaign training for women candidates

Women in Political Science directoryThe directory is a Center on Women and Public Policy project dedicated to increasing the voices of women as news sources in Minnesota and beyond.

 

 

Women's Path to Political Office

CWPP teamed up with the Political Science department to study the path men and women take to office and the role of gatekeeper organizations, used this research to construct a learning community of organizations working to address diversity among elected officials and developed programs for women students interested in seeking office (see Past Projects). 

Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz addresses a CWPP gathering. Only 16% of Minnesota's mayors are women.

Women and Politics Book Group

The Center on Women and Public Policy sponsors a book group focused on women and politics. The group includes students, faculty and interested community members.

Statistics

The Status of Women and Girls in Minnesota project tracks various statistics on women's leadership in politics and other sectors.

Status of Women and Girls in Minnesota