American University’s Women & Politics Institute will host their inaugural Race to Representation 5K at the American University campus on Saturday, November 5.
The race starts at 8 am and will raise money and attention for the Woman & Politics Institute’s goal of closing the gender gap in political leadership. Advance registration is $30 ($20 for students), and age-group and overall prizes will be awarded. Runners can also register on race day for $35 ($25 for students).
Jennifer Lawless, the director of the Women & Politics Institute, came up with the idea when she passed a billboard publicizing a race for another cause. She realized that, unlike the events the Institute regularly sponsors – book signings, panel discussions, prominent speakers – a race reaches a much broader audience in the DC community and provides an excellent opportunity to call attention to the dearth of women in politics and to motivate women and men of all ages to work to increase women’s presence in politics.
According to the Institute, the U.S. ranks 90th worldwide in the percentage of women serving in the national legislature. When the 112th Congress convened in January 2011, 83 percent of its members were men. Three-quarters of statewide elected officials and state legislators are men. Men occupy the governor’s mansion in 44 of the 50 states, and they run City Hall in 93 of the 100 largest cities across the country. The Institute believes that if we want to see any kind of substantial increases in women’s representation, then we need a jolt to the system, and publicize these numbers.
This is not a women’s only event, all are encouraged to participate.
There is also a team entry option for groups of 5 or more. (Contact My-Lien at 202-885-3103 for discounted team rates.)
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