More US women enter the world of politics following Trump victory

World Today

More US women enter world of politics following Trump victory

In recent months, the United States has experienced an uptick in women seeking political training and seeking office.

CGTN’s May Lee reports.

The Women’s Marches across the U.S. and around the world sent a message on how women felt about President Donald Trump. Some of those women are running for political office to try and make a difference.

Sara Hernandez is running for Congress in a special election next month in a Los Angeles district. That district is viewed as a kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnicities and races. She was compelled to jump into the race in response to Donald Trump’s unexpected win.

“I think we hit a tipping point in where we were as a country, where there are so many women that decided, you know I don’t have time to plan. My rights are literally being infringed upon today so I need to step up, might not be the best time, but it’s time for us to move and time for us to act,” Hernandez said.

According to several organizations that prepare women to run for office, there’s been a big increase in interest and registrations for training prior to and after Trump’s election.

The Political Institute for Women offers non-partisan courses for political candidates, advocates and individuals who want to be more politically engaged. The business has seen a nearly 40 percent increase in candidate training registrations. It’s also experienced a 60 percent rise in advocacy and politics training.

But many advocates of female candidates are waiting to see if interest turns into real commitments.

According to the Center for American Women and Politics, women make up no more than 25 percent of most elective bodies in the U.S. at every level. This is true despite being more than half the population.


Purna Sen of UN Women on gender equality

Wednesday marks U.N. International Women’s Day and to discuss women’s rights and involvement in social and political issues, CGTN’s Elaine Reyes spoke to Purna Sen. She is the policy director for U.N. Women.