About 34% of municipal office holders in Utah are women, according to a new report from the Center for Women and Politics at Rutgers University.
Why it matters: Utah women are largely underrepresented in local government offices that are tasked with shaping critical city policies and responding to residents’ needs.
By the numbers: The Beehive State ranks 17th in the nation for its share of women serving in municipal offices, per the report. Nationally, about 32% of municipal officer holders are women.
- Colorado ranked first in the nation, with 46% of women holding municipal office, while Nebraska ranked dead last (19%).
How it works: The center analyzed 55 Utah cities and towns with populations of over 10,000 residents.
What they’re saying: “When girls don’t see women in roles of leadership positions in business and government … they’re less likely to see themselves as leaders in any of those types of organizations,” Kolene Anderson, associate director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University, told Axios Salt Lake City.
- Female candidates are more likely to be scrutinized over their appearance, clothing and demeanor than men, Anderson noted, which could detract some from seeking office.
Zoom out: Nearly 27% of state lawmakers are women, the report found.
The big picture: Utah has long lagged behind the rest of the nation when it comes to women holding elected office across the state, per the Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University.
Go deeper: Utah’s wide gender gap shows in politics, wages
