Women mayors face threats, criticism

What you probably already know: Women mayors across the country face disproportionate harassment and scrutiny because of their gender, reporting more frequent threats, criticism and challenges to their authority than their male counterparts. A report from the Mayors Innovation Project’s Women Mayors Network called “Under Pressure: How the Unique Challenges Faced by Women Mayors Undermine Democratic Governance,” draws on a national survey of 235 mayors and 50 interviews. Twenty-five percent reported harassment at least three times per month, with 39% saying those threats often involved family members. Women mayors have been stalked, received death threats and had their homes vandalized — one even spent $5,000 on security cameras, while another said her grandchild’s daycare center was forced to add security after strangers asked which child was related to the mayor.

Why it matters: The gender gap was starkest in sexual harassment. Four in 10 experienced sexual harassment while campaigning, compared to just 6% of men. In office, the disparity persisted: 40% of women versus 5% of men. Women mayors also faced relentless criticism of their physical appearance, with 52% reporting such attacks while campaigning and 43% while governing, more than double the rate for men. They also reported being criticized for being “too ugly, too attractive, too weak or too aggressive.” One mayor was told she was “off-putting” because she was attractive, while another lamented that her hair color was considered relevant to her ability to govern.

What it means: Women were also more likely to face questions about their competence, education and ability to manage work-life balance. Others were demeaned as too ambitious or arrogant, while oftentimes men with similar aspirations were praised. Women of color face additional burdens, with 40% saying critics took aim at their emotional state of mind. The report argues that these challenges weaken democracy, as harassment and bias discourage women from running for office or seeking higher positions. “Many women mayors expressed that they wished someone had been honest about the reality of all that comes with being a woman in the office of the mayor and how they could prepare for it,” the report notes. “Women mayors shared that the role is isolating and having a community of supportive peers is critical for success.”

What happens next: The authors warn that systemic reforms are needed to ensure that women can govern effectively, calling for equitable pay, improved safety measures, supportive staffing and inclusive policies. The mayors stress the importance of peer networks and professional development, including reforms that address harassment, bias and systemic barriers. As much as anything, they want to call attention to their challenges. “When you’re out there, you may think ‘why me?’” one mayor says. “Heck, it’s happening to others just like you in a totally different state. The more we share these stories, the more we can help other women to combat those issues and challenges.”