Women are significantly underrepresented in government — even within NYC’s City Council where only 12 out of the 51 seats currently belong to women.

21 in ‘21 is working to identify, cultivate and launch women candidates through nonpartisan support, training and networking so that at least 21 women are elected to the New York City Council by 2021.

Our Objective

Despite being a majority of the voting population, women are underrepresented at all levels of government. This imbalance hurts policy-making and perpetuates the political glass ceiling, weakening our city. 

With an ultimate goal of true gender parity, 21 in ‘21 aims to elect at least 21 women to the NYC Council by 2021, through fundraising support, political training, issue education and access to empowering networks.

In face of societal hurdles, many women haven’t run for office despite studies showing that women win as often as men. Luckily, thousands of women across NYC have stepped forward since the 2016 election to take action and voice their ambition to run for office. We’re here to help them cross the finish line.

Why 2021?

21 in ’21 was launched in 2017 by then Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Council Member Elizabeth Crowley in response to the alarmingly low number of women serving the City Council.

Only 12 out of the 51 members are women, down from the Council’s high of 18 in 2009. 

Women are too often told they must “wait their turn” while men are more often prepared for office by political institutions. As a result, when open sets arise, women candidates are less likely to have the fundraising networks, policy experience or political relationships to create a successful campaign. We’re working to change that.

In 2021, there will be 35 term-limited City Council members

We’re focusing on identifying, cultivating and launching women candidates so they can not only run, but win, with 21 in ‘21’s sisterhood of support behind them. Become a member and join us in supporting the next wave of women leaders in NYC.