New Year “Resolutions,” Part 2 – Gender on the Ballot has a special feature this month: New Year “resolutions” from our expert bloggers for closing the gender gap in politics. We’ll publish a few each week during the month of January, and we welcome your thoughts for 2026 at ongender@gmail.com.

Anna Laymon, President and CEO of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation

• “In 2026, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, our resolution is to ensure the National Mall weaves American women’s accomplishments into our national story. With the Women’s Suffrage National Monument’s two and a half acre site in Constitution Gardens officially approved, we are proud to honor the millions of women whose perseverance helped build and sustain our democracy. This monument celebrates the American spirit. Here, every woman and girl will see her story reflected in our capital’s landscape and be inspired to lead.”

Mona Mehra, Founder of Vision Search India

• “My hope for 2026 is that we begin professionalising homemaking and unpaid care work as a legitimate form of leadership, rather than invisible labor. When women’s skills in home management—decision-making, budgeting, crisis response, and long-term planning—are recognized as leadership experience, pathways into civic and political participation widen across class and identity lines. Closing the intersectional gender gap in politics requires expanding our definition of leadership to include the millions of women whose first leadership roles begin at home.” Read her blog here.

Amanda Fuchs Miller, President of Seventh Street Strategies

• “Unfortunately, 2025 saw a chipping away by the federal government of many programs and activities designed to ensure gender equity.  As Americans experience the impact of the funding cuts from key research initiatives and programs, and the rolling back of many protections designed to ensure equitable treatment, I hope that the courts and Congress continue to ensure these long-term protections and investments stay in place.” Read her blog here.

Dr. Tina Pierce, Executive Director & Co-Founder, WORTH Foundation

• “In 2026, may we continue to invest in civic education and leadership development that reaches people across age, race, and socioeconomic backgrounds – recognizing that political power is cultivated long before individuals run for office. Closing the intersectional gender gap requires expanding pathways from classrooms to community boards, commissions, and civic institutions where women and girls can build confidence, skills, and networks. By treating civic learning as a lifelong process rather than a single moment, we strengthen democracy and expand who has the opportunity to lead.” Read her blog here.