Women Representation Falls in the 112th Congress

As we conclude the second week of Women’s History month we’re taking a look on the decline of women representatives in congress. For the first time in thirty years the number of women representing American citizens fell in the 112^th Congress. After the November 2010 elections, women holding seats in both house and senate went from 93 seats to 90. The overall percentage fell 17%, lowering the standings of the United States to 73^rd in the world for female representation in government leadership. Currently the United States is tied with Turkmenistan.

With the diluted presence of women in representative seats, issues concerning the female gender have been handled quite carelessly. A recent example is a bill that was proposed by Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo) which would allow not only religious groups, but any employer with moral objections to opt out of providing coverage for contraceptives required by the 2010 healthcare law. Though the bill was defeated in the senate with a 51 to 48 vote largely through party lines, it failed to recognize the woman’s voice. As Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) put it “If the Senate was 83 women and 17 men instead of the other way around, the Blunt Amendment would never have made it to the Senate floor.”

Women’s issues will continue to be minimalized as female representatives continue declining as it has with the 112^th Congress. A woman will always know what is best for a woman.

To learn more about Women’s issues and accomplishments check out Women’s History For Beginners and our interview with the author of Women’s History, Bonnie J. Morris, Ph.D. for more insight.