Why More Women Need to Get Involved in Policy-Making - Even If They Never Run for Office
How to Influence Government Without Being in It
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm
When we talk about political power, most people immediately think of elected officials—presidents, senators, and governors. But political influence is not limited to those who hold office. Some of the most effective changemakers in history have worked behind the scenes, shaping policy, advising leaders, and mobilizing movements that forced legislative shifts.
Women do not need to run for office to influence government. In fact, many of the most significant policy changes—those that have expanded rights, reformed industries, and protected vulnerable communities—have been driven by women who never held an official title.
If more women understood their potential for impact beyond candidacy, they could become the architects of systemic change, shifting policy landscapes to better reflect the needs and realities of half the population. This is becoming increasingly necessary as we see previous policies (Roe v. Wade, etc.) being overturned.
Here’s how to wield power without stepping into the spotlight of an elected office:
The Policy Gap: Why Women’s Influence Matters
Despite making up more than 50% of the population, women remain underrepresented in policymaking roles. According to the United Nations, only 26% of parliamentarians worldwide are women. The same imbalance exists in corporate boardrooms, think tanks, and advisory committees—spaces where policies are shaped long before they reach a legislative vote.
Why This Is a Problem
Policy Blind Spots – When women are absent from policy discussions, key issues like reproductive rights, equal pay, childcare, domestic assault issues, and workplace protections are either ignored or deprioritized.
Power Concentration – Leaving policy to politicians alone allows a narrow set of voices to dictate the rules that govern society.
Slow Progress – Without external pressure and advocacy, systemic change moves at a glacial pace.
Real-World Example: The Fight for Maternity Leave
The United States is the only wealthy nation without federally mandated paid maternity leave. Who has led the fight for change? Not just politicians, but activists, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations that have pressured lawmakers and corporate executives into action.
Policies change when persistent, informed, and strategic individuals demand it.
How Women Can Influence Policy Without Running for Office
1. Become a Policy Advisor or Researcher
Behind every major policy decision, there is data, analysis, and strategy. Women who work in think tanks, advisory boards, or policy research help shape the very laws that elected officials pass.
How to Get Involved:
Join a policy institute or advocacy group focused on issues you care about.
Build expertise in a key area and contribute to white papers, reports, and policy briefings.
Seek roles as legislative aides or advisors for policymakers.
2. Shape the Narrative Through Media and Thought Leadership
Public perception drives political action. Women who control narratives in media, journalism, and social discourse have an enormous impact on policy.
How to Get Involved:
Write op-eds and articles advocating for policy changes.
Use social media platforms strategically to amplify critical policy discussions.
Participate in panel discussions, podcasts, and public forums.
3. Lead Advocacy and Lobbying Efforts
Lobbying is one of the most direct ways to influence policy without holding office. Many of the laws that exist today—from domestic violence protections to equal pay legislation—were passed because advocacy groups refused to be ignored.
How to Get Involved:
Join or support organizations that lobby for policy changes aligned with your values.
Build relationships with lawmakers and staffers to push key issues onto their agendas.
Mobilize grassroots campaigns to create public pressure on decision-makers.
4. Fund and Support Women Who Run for Office
Even if you don’t want to run, you can ensure that more women who represent your values do.
How to Get Involved:
Donate to women-led political campaigns.
Volunteer for female candidates at local, state, and national levels.
Help train and mentor women considering political careers.
5. Use Business as a Platform for Policy Influence
Women entrepreneurs and executives have enormous leverage to shape economic and social policies. CEOs, business owners, and industry leaders regularly influence tax policies, labor laws, and corporate regulations.
How to Get Involved:
Advocate for policies within your industry (e.g., parental leave, wage transparency, diversity in hiring).
Partner with organizations that promote equitable business practices.
Use your company’s platform to publicly support legislative efforts that align with gender equity.
The Hybrid Strategy: Influence Today, Run Tomorrow?
Many of the women who eventually hold office started by influencing policy outside of it. Madeleine Albright was a policy advisor before becoming the first female U.S. Secretary of State. Kamala Harris was a district attorney shaping criminal justice policy before she ran for higher office.
Even if you have no intention of ever running for office, you can set the stage for other women to rise.
Actionable Steps: How to Start Today
Choose Your Policy Focus – Identify the issue you care about most (e.g., education, reproductive rights, economic equity).
Join or Support an Advocacy Group – Align with organizations already working on the front lines.
Develop Subject Matter Expertise – Read, research, and position yourself as a thought leader.
Write, Speak, and Educate – Use your voice to bring attention to critical issues.
Build Relationships with Policymakers – Connect with local and national leaders who can champion your cause.
Final Thought: Women Must Be at the Table—Even If They Aren’t on the Ballot
The assumption that only politicians create change is outdated and incorrect. Women who understand policy, shape public opinion, and mobilize movements wield as much—if not more—power than those who hold office.
The choice is not just to vote or to run. The space between those two actions is vast, filled with opportunities to reshape society in ways that matter.
Further Reading & Sources:
"Women in Politics 2023," United Nations Report
Harvard Kennedy School, "The Impact of Women in Policy-Making"
Center for American Progress, "How Women Influence Economic Policy"
New York Times, "The Power of Women Lobbyists in Washington"