Women in Politics: A Year of Reckoning

In November, the United States will embark on arguably its most consequential political election in decades, as President Donald Trump seeks another term in office. In the 2018 midterms, a record 117 women were elected to office, including record numbers of women of colour and LGBTIQA+ women.

Despite historic gains, there has never been a female head of state in the 244-year history of the United States. How can a mounting sense of anger, awareness and organisation – and the rise in women representatives – influence and shape the political outcomes?

This year, 18 August is the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted all women in the US the right to vote – although this right was not exercised equally.

Leading voices in politics and human rights join Francesca Donner, gender director at the New York Times, to explore the evolving role of women shaping the political agenda and its impact on women’s rights around the world. Our panel includes former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, acclaimed Turkish author Elif Shafak, and Jennifer Harlan, co-author of the book Finish the Fight!: The Brave and Revolutionary Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote.

This is a live event, with an author Q&A.