Women make up more than half of the population of Wisconsin, yet they are vastly underrepresented in nearly all levels of government. Wisconsin does have some highlights in the history of women in politics, but there is a long way to go to achieving equal representation. Strong support for women candidates and officeholders and robust philanthropy among women are the first steps toward change.

Wisconsin was the first state to ratify the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote on June 10, 1919. It is also the birthplace of the founder of the League of Women Voters, Carrie Chapman Catt. Women fill school board seats and are common in many local governments statewide, yet there has never been a female governor of Wisconsin, and women hold just 22 percent of seats in the state legislature ranking Wisconsin 32nd among the 50 states.

Wisconsin has never had a female U.S. Senator. However, in 1998 Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison) became the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin. She has since been joined by Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee). Baldwin says the underrepresentation of women is unacceptable. "In every presidential election since 1964, the number of female voters has exceeded the number of male voters," said Baldwin. "Women are the voting majority in this country, yet we account for only 17 percent of the votes in Congress."

Women hold eight of the 20 Madison Common Council seats. Satya Rhodes-Conway has represented the 12th District on Madison's near east side since 2007. She says strong support from a young age gave her the confidence to run. "I was raised to believe my voice mattered and that I had a responsibility to use it for good," Rhodes-Conway said. "I was educated about the importance of public service, public process, and participation in government. As an adult, I was encouraged to get involved, appreciated for my involvement, and supported when I decided to run."

When German forces eventually learned about her involvement with the resistance she fled to Paris but was arrested shortly after the D-Day invasion in 1944. She was tortured for information and sent to two concentration camps, including Buchenwald. When Buchenwald was liberated by American troops in 1945, Andrée was about to be executed by firing squad.

After the war she moved back to Paris and met her husband, John Peel. She received many awards for her work in the war including the Medal of Freedom by the United States, King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct by Britain, and was sent a personal letter of appreciation by Winston Churchill. At her 105th birthday in February of 2010, Andrée wore 11 decorations of valor.