Expert bloggers from Gender on the Ballot provide their New Year resolutions for closing the gender gap in politics:

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Betsy Fischer Martin, Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute
“In 2026, I resolve to keep pushing for a political culture where women's voices are heard, trusted, and taken seriously: on the ballot, in the media, and in the rooms where decisions are made. This means continuing to build a deeper bench of women leaders by treating political leadership as a skill we can teach and learn, not a rare calling. When women are visible as experts and candidates, and equipped with the confidence, tools, and real-world experience to lead, it changes who believes leadership is possible and strengthens our democracy for everyone.”

Lily Carver, American University student, working towards her BA and MA in political science
“I hope to see international progress toward equitable access to health care, education, and full autonomy that knows no borders. With this I hope the voices of women everywhere are amplified. And personally, I hope to celebrate and find joy in all progress no matter how big or how small.” Read her blog here.

Emily Krichbaum, PhD, Director of Strategic Programs and Education at the National Women's History Museum
“In 2026, I resolve to summon the courage of Jane Goodall, who knew exactly what she wanted and stated it so boldly for everyone to hear, without waiting for permission or the perfect credentials. And, I hope those reading this will do the same. This world needs more individuals who believe in their unique capacity and potential.” Read her two-part blog here & here.

Anna Laymon, President and CEO of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation
“In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, our resolution is to ensure the National Mall weaves American women’s accomplishments into our national story. With the Women’s Suffrage National Monument’s two and a half acre site in Constitution Gardens officially approved, we are proud to honor the millions of women whose perseverance helped build and sustain our democracy. This monument celebrates the American spirit. Here, every woman and girl will see her story reflected in our capital’s landscape and be inspired to lead.”

Mona Mehra, Founder of Vision Search in India
“My hope for 2026 is that we begin professionalising homemaking and unpaid care work as a legitimate form of leadership, rather than invisible labour. When women’s skills in home management—decision-making, budgeting, crisis response, and long-term planning—are recognised as leadership experience, pathways into civic and political participation widen across class and identity lines. Closing the intersectional gender gap in politics requires expanding our definition of leadership to include the millions of women whose first leadership roles begin at home.” Read her blog here.

Amanda Fuchs Miller, President of Seventh Street Strategies
“Unfortunately, 2025 saw a chipping away by the federal government of many programs and activities designed to ensure gender equity.  As Americans experience the impact of the funding cuts from key research initiatives and programs, and the rolling back of many protections designed to ensure equitable treatment, I hope that the courts and Congress continue to ensure these long-term protections and investments stay in place.” Read her blog here. 

Dr. Tina Pierce, Executive Director & Co-Founder, WORTH Foundation
“In 2026, may we continue to invest in civic education and leadership development that reaches people across age, race, and socioeconomic backgrounds - recognizing that political power is cultivated long before individuals run for office. Closing the intersectional gender gap requires expanding pathways from classrooms to community boards, commissions, and civic institutions where women and girls can build confidence, skills, and networks. By treating civic learning as a lifelong process rather than a single moment, we strengthen democracy and expand who has the opportunity to lead.” Read her blog here.

Cynthia Richie Terrell, Founder and Executive Director, and Alana Persson, Communications Lead, RepresentWomen
“In 2026, as we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, RepresentWomen resolves to honor Abigail Adams’ call to “remember the ladies” by designing a democracy that finally harnesses women’s full participation and power. Women make up half of the population, yet remain underrepresented in elected office — a gap that persists when electoral rules fail to fully reflect the diversity and collaboration voters want. This year, we commit to addressing the barriers women face by expanding ranked choice voting and supporting legislative rule changes that translate women’s leadership into lasting representation.” Read their blog here. 

Angel Rogers, Director, Political Affairs, Phillips
“In 2026, I hope to see more integrated pipelines that empower Black women to run for office, launch and scale businesses, and rise to the highest levels of corporate leadership. Expanding access to training, capital, sponsorship, procurement opportunities, and transparent advancement pathways, while tracking progress across candidacy and promotion rates, will continue to drive meaningful change. Let’s also make self-care a standard of leadership, ensuring that Black women thrive personally as they break new ground professionally.” Read her blog here.

Bonnie Stabile, Associate Professor, Founder and Director, Gender and Policy Center, George Mason University
“In 2026 I resolve to highlight innovative policy solutions devised and championed by entrepreneurial women leaders that help solve pervasive public problems and advance women's representation by  sharing strategies, celebrating successes and fostering opportunities to advance collaboration and community." Read her blog here. 

Viva de Vicq, Senior Direction, Breakthrough Campaigns
“For 2026, my resolution is to actively champion and witness a significant increase in women's presence and leadership within data, analytics, and artificial intelligence.  It's not merely about filling roles; it’s about recognizing that diverse perspectives, particularly those of women, are essential to building more robust, ethical, and inclusive data-driven solutions.” Read her blog here.

Varina Winder, Co-founder of the Arch Collaborative
"If 2025 was a year of destruction, my hope is that 2026 is a year of thoughtful rebuilding. Recognizing that many of the systems that were designed to advance gender equality around the world no longer exist, my colleagues and I at the new Arch Collaborative strategic initiative - are committed to doing our part to analyse, convene, and help implement new ideas that will ensure women's rights and gender equality are non-negotiable." Read her blog here.