Women are the greatest rising force in American politics today. Thirty years ago, women held a mere 4 percent of all state legislative seats in the country; today they hold 22 percent. Latinas, in particular, are making inroads in the American political landscape, graduating faster and in higher numbers than their male Latino counterparts and increasingly choosing a career in politics. Between 1996 and 2006, the number of Latina candidates elected to office nationally and locally increased by 73 percent, compared to a 26 percent increase among Latino male elected officials.
Yet, Latinas are also facing significant challenges: they are twice as likely as non-Hispanic women to live in poverty, one out of every three does not have health insurance, one third of Hispanic girls drop out of high school, and nearly 90 percent never complete college.
To shed some light on the trends of this population and to discuss their promise and challenges, please join the Center for American Progress Action Fund for an in-depth discussion on the opportunities and obstacles for Latinas today.