Empowering Women in Politics: A New Initiative at UT
Amid growing awareness of the crucial need for women’s representation in political arenas, University of Tennessee juniors Riley Moore and Libby Michaels are championing the call for young women to pursue leadership positions within this sphere. Both majoring in political science, these passionate individuals have paved the way for the establishment of a proactive community.
Formation of Women in Politics Club
Motivated by their academic interests and experiences living together, Moore and Michaels initiated discussions to create a club specifically dedicated to empowering women in politics, leading to the founding of the Women in Politics club in the fall of 2024. They recognized a significant gap in support for female political engagement on campus.
“While there are various leadership clubs and political initiatives available, there was a notable absence of a group focused specifically on women and their roles in political leadership,” explained Moore, who co-founded the club.
Building a Supportive Network
The founders quickly garnered support through connections with professors and fellow students, leveraging social media, particularly Instagram, to increase awareness of their mission. Support from Professor Carolyn Holmes and the positive response during the Student Engagement Fair played a crucial role in attracting attention from the UT community.
Recognizing that political participation has traditionally been male-dominated, the club aims to inspire female students to embrace roles where their voices can effectuate change.
Tackling the Gender Gap in Politics
A significant focus of the club’s discussions has been the gender gap in politics. Moore and Michaels highlighted statistics showing that, despite higher registration rates among women, they remain disproportionately underrepresented in elected positions.
“Women have the right to engage in politics, regardless of the gender composition in power, and we aspire to motivate others to advocate for women’s presence in the political sphere,” Moore stated.
Michaels added, “Currently, only 28% of congressional seats—535 in total—are occupied by women. Our presence is critically lacking.”
Engaging Activities and Opportunities
The club’s programming is actively centered around this mission, featuring guest speakers and providing avenues for members to participate in meaningful political processes. For instance, they hosted a session with a student from the Knox County Election Commission, exploring pathways to local political involvement. A notable event included engaging with representatives from Teach for America, a nonprofit focused on advocating for underfunded schools.
“We aim to introduce members to professionals who can assist in their development,” Moore commented.
She also mentioned plans to connect with women senators from the North Carolina Legislature, sharing insights about their journeys and the challenges they faced within politics through a Zoom meeting.
Inspiration Behind the Initiative
When reflecting on personal inspirations, both founders shared influential figures who have fueled their political ambitions. Moore mentioned her admiration for Senator Vicky Sawyer from Mecklenburg County, who she views as a role model due to her focus on women’s issues during her tenure.
Michaels expressed her respect for Nikki Haley, recognizing her fortitude in standing by her beliefs even when they conflict with prominent leaders. “She was appointed as a UN Ambassador by Donald Trump but remained vocal about her differing views during her presidential campaign,” Michaels noted. “I value her commitment to her principles.”
An Inclusive Vision for the Future
Importantly, the founders emphasize that the Women in Politics club is not aligned with any specific political party or ideology but rather seeks to uplift women across the political spectrum.
As the club continues to grow, it is committed to creating a nurturing environment where diverse opinions are embraced, ultimately paving the way for the next generation of empowered female leaders in politics.
