NH Business Review
41% of localities have no women in top leadership, says NH Women’s Foundation report
March 8, 2021
‘More diverse governing bodies make for both richer conversations and more equitable policies being passed,’ says Tanna Clews, executive director of the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation. (Photo by Cheryl Senter)
In a state that boasts many “firsts” for women in elected office, it might be shocking to learn that 41% of New Hampshire select boards have zero women.
Matters report from the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation details a significant gender gap in elected representation for women at the local level. In 2020, the organization surveyed all 221 towns and found that 37% of the 1,642 people serving on school and select boards are women and just 29% of towns have achieved gender parity or majority women. Data regarding city councils and school boards is forthcoming.