Women & Politics Institute

The Women & Politics Institute provides practical and academic training that encourages women to become involved in the political process and facilitates research by faculty and students that enhances our understanding of the challenges and opportunities women face in the political arena.

Contact Us

202-885-2903

Fax: 202-885-2967

[email protected]

Kerwin Hall, Room 109E on a map

Women & Politics Institute 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

To request an interview for a news story, call AU Communications at 202-885-5950 or submit a request.

She Votes 2026

2026 She Votes Poll with Amanda Hunter and Viva de Vicq Wednesday, October 21 at 6PM ET
Join the Women & Politics Institute for a virtual discussion on women's political participation. WPI Adjunct Instructor Amanda Hunter will facilitate the discussion with Viva De Vicq, Senior Researcher at Tavern Research, will present findings from our new Gender on the Ballot poll, conducted by Tavern Research that explores the issues shaping women voters and their political opinions leading up to the 2026 mid-term elections. Details and registration here.

WPI Campaign Training Program Enters 22nd Year

If you are ready to explore the next step in your professional and political journey, the Women & Politics Institute's nonpartisan WeLead training program is for you! For over 20 years, WeLead has successfully trained participants to run for office or lead a political campaign. WPI is dedicated to closing the gender gap in the political arena and is proud to offer our WeLead program at no cost to accepted applicants.

WL2026 grad U.S. Rep Lizzie Fletcher at podium

WeLead successfully positions participants to serve in a political leadership position. With a special emphasis on understanding the latest research on the challenges and opportunities that women face in running for office, we provide all members of the WeLead cohort with the confidence and skills to run for office or run a campaign through a combination of tactical skills, and best practices in Communications, Fundraising, and Campaign Management. WeLead also provides an expansive and supportive network of expert practitioners and alumni. Pictured: WeLead2027 launch with Ward 1 DC Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (top) and WeLead2026 Graduation speaker U.S. Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-8).

The We Lead training program is open to all post-graduates, regardless of race, color, gender, or national origin.

Fall 2026 WPPL Courses

These core courses are being offered in Fall 2026 for the Women, Policy and Political Leadership (WPPL) Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate Programs. View all WPPL courses here and learn more about the certificate program here.

wpi spring 2027 courses

Gender on the Ballot

Gender on the Ballot is a nonpartisan project of AU’s Women & Politics Institute that examines and contextualizes gender dynamics in American politics. Originally co-founded by WPI and the Barbara Lee Family Foundation in 2019, Gender on the Ballot contributes to the dialogue on gender and politics through accessible content from experts and practitioners.

Why Woman V. Woman Races Are Held to a Different Standard: WPI Adjunct Instructor Amanda Hunter talks about the standards that female candidates are held to especially when campaigning against one another, noting “voters expect men to show traits like dominance and aggression, but they expect women leaders to show empathy and civility.”

Gender will Remain on the Ballot for Women: Dr. Rebecca DeWolf, Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at the Women & Politics Institute, draws on 19th century women's rights movements to examine how far women have come in the fight for rights but how much more work remains to be done to achieve full autonomy.

WPI 'Women on Wednesdays' Recaps

Check out all event recaps here, or visit our YouTube channel to watch full replays of previous events.

Norah O'Donnell, Kate Andersen Brower, and Jane Hall

September 16: Journalists Norah O'Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower discussed their new book, We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Shaped America, with WPI Adjunct Associate Professor Jane Hall. Watch the full replay here.

May 6: Atima Omara, political strategist, organizer, and advocate, discussed her new book, The Instigators: How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn From Them), with WPI Exec. Director Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch the full replay here.

Mar. 25: Closing out Women’s History Month, Emily Lampkin discussed her new book, Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman's Practical Guide to Real Life Success, which provides an empowering guide to help women grow in their careers, communities, and lives, with WPI Exec. Dir. Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch the full replay here.