Women are a majority of the population but they make up less than 25 percent of the Missouri Legislature and are minority participants at all levels of public policy leadership. The Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life exists to make government accessible to all Missouri citizens by encouraging women's full participation in the policy process.
The Institute for Women in Public Life was founded in the fall of 1996 on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis to assist women in developing the interest and skills necessary to succeed as full participants within government, serving in elected and appointed office as well as employed policy makers.
The Institute:
- Educates students on the need for women's leadership in public service through the 21st Century Leadership Academy.
- Maintains a unique Talent Bank of women interested in serving on public boards and commissions, and educates elected officials on the willingness of women to serve.
- Educates women on how to seek public office through the Pipeline to Politics campaign series.
- Educates and coaches women seeking judicial appointments and employment in government policy-making positions.
