AAUW Statement on the 2018 Midterm Elections

WASHINGTON — American Association of University Women (AAUW) Chief Executive Officer Kim Churches issued this statement on the outcome of the 2018 midterm elections:

“Women were a pivotal force in yesterday’s election — with record numbers of women running and winning office, and turning out to vote in huge numbers across the country. For the first time, we will see more than 100 women from diverse backgrounds represented in the halls of Congress, bringing more power to perspectives that have been left out of decision-making for far too long.

“Of course, we’re still a long way from equity, but we’ve made significant progress. Women make up more than half the country, and it’s time for equitable representation in all areas of leadership.

“Now it’s time to get to work if we are going to thread the needle on economic security for families. We encourage elected officials locally, regionally and nationally to work together to advance priorities for gender equity, including:

• Pay equity and fairness in compensation and benefits.

• Rigorous enforcement of employment and other anti-discrimination laws.

• Policies that promote work-life balance, including affordable childcare and paid family and medical leave.

• Improved access for women to affordable post-secondary education and training programs.

• Stronger retirement benefits and pensions to ensure women are secure in their later years.

• Increased access to quality, affordable health care and reproductive rights.

• Enhanced protections against sexual harassment and violence in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.”

For media inquiries, email media@aauw.org or call 202.785.7756.