She Should Run Releases First-Ever ‘Group Chat Issues’ Report

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our new ‘Group Chat Issues’ report, a multifaceted and research-backed endeavor to uncover the motivations that could encourage a critical mass of women to consider elected office.

Utilizing our own data and research from YWCA USA and UN Women, we found that the majority of women—across demographics and ideologies—are motivated by issues that disproportionately affect them. These include the Economy, Climate Change, Reproductive Health, Racism, and Gun Violence. Additionally, women are most likely to take action on issues related to children, health, education, and poverty. As a result, these commonalities are motivating factors to consider seeking elected office.

“If we want to eliminate the very real political ambition gap between men and women and flood the candidate pool with women who represent the full and beautiful diversity of perspective and life experience of this country, we simply must engage more women in the process,” said She Should Run Founder and CEO, Erin Loos Cutraro. “The research is clear that in order to do that, we must meet women where they are on the issues that matter to them most. In developing the ‘Group Chat Issues’ report, we’ve gained insight into what those issues are and how best to empower women from all walks of life to take action.”

Our research surveyed over 400 women aged 18-75 across geographic regions and party affiliations to develop an understanding of the data about women running for office, Gen Z’s view on politics, and what motivates women to consider elected leadership. Cross-referencing our own data with YWCA USA and UN Women studies, the data revealed: 

• The majority of women are motivated by issues that disproportionately affect them. These include the Economy, Climate Change, Reproductive Health, Racism, and Gun Violence. Women are most likely to take action on issues related to children, health, education, and poverty.
• 22.4% (or 24.4 Million) of adult women in the US are primed to take action and be motivated to seek elected office, creating a large addressable market to increase women’s representation in government.
• 70%+ of women considering running for office discuss current issues on social media.

The generally accepted judgment about women today is that they are motivated by gender equality as a standalone issue for seeking change. In reality, women are motivated by the everyday “kitchen table” issues that show up in their lives. Research shows that women, especially those seeking leadership roles, benefit from an inner circle of close female friends to discuss personal information. As a result, we’re evolving the term for the issues of importance to women to “Group Chat” issues in order to capture the spirit of women in 2023 and highlight the everyday issues that matter to them now.

Read the full report here.

In order to have a multiplier effect on gender equality, our 2023 programming is underpinned by these five issues poised to impact women and girls the most over the long term. Join us at an upcoming event.