Women's History Month highlights and celebrates the contributions and achievements of women throughout history, many of which have been overlooked. It serves as a reminder of the vital roles women have played in shaping society, from advancements in science and technology to leadership in social justice movements. The month also encourages reflection on the ongoing struggles for gender equality and serves as an opportunity to educate and inspire future generations. By amplifying the stories of women from diverse backgrounds, it promotes inclusivity and ensures a more complete understanding of history. That complete understanding makes us better as a society—toward each other and for the future.

One area we must continue to promote is women serving in elected office. In New Jersey, we are striving to improve—and while progress has been made, we still lag behind other states. For example, we rank 23rd out of 50 states in the proportion of women serving in the legislature, with women of color making up just over half (53.7%). The path to these roles often begins in local elected office, so the more we support women at the local level, the stronger our representation will be at the state level. Unfortunately, a 2022 study found that women hold just 29.9% of municipal offices in New Jersey, below the national average of 31.5% (Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, March 2022).

I am privileged to serve the residents of Ewing and know there are many qualified, exceptional women across Ewing, Mercer County, New Jersey, and the nation who should be encouraged to get involved—we need their voices!

Statistics show that a woman needs to be asked three times before agreeing to run for office, compared to her male counterparts. Women's voices are too important to be left out of the conversation.

Many women feel they aren’t ‘qualified enough.’ To that, I say: you are, and you have so much to contribute. Other challenges, such as caregiving responsibilities or the perception that women must prove themselves more than their male counterparts, can create barriers. But these obstacles can be overcome—with support from other women and men alike, including myself. Let’s make this decade the one where we truly turn the tide toward better, more comprehensive, and more inclusive representation.

One way I can encourage women in my community to get engaged is by meeting them where they are—whether through a local board or commission, school group, house of worship, or affinity group. I need to remember to encourage participation and ensure that the women in my local community know that I’ll be there to help—as a cheerleader, a listening ear, or a helping hand.

—Jennifer Keyes-Maloney