MISSION

The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) is a multicultural, intergenerational, and multi-issue grassroots organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and creating a true women’s political power base to achieve equality for all women.

History and Achievements

NWPC was founded in the midst of the modern American women’s movement when 320 women from 26 states met under the leadership of feminists such as Shirley Chisholm, Bella Abzug, Gloria Steinem, and Betty Friedan to form the caucus on July 11, 1971. The first statement of purpose pledged to fight sexism, racism, institutional violence, and poverty. They chose to advocate for change by reforming major political parties, the election of women to public office, advocacy of women’s issues, and the support of feminist candidates, regardless of party.

In the first three years of its existence, female state officeholders increased by 36 percent as a result of NWPC recruitment and leadership programs. By 1976, they formed a political action committee and began contributing financially to selected races. We now proudly state that we are a multi-partisan organization that respects a woman’s right to make private medical decisions without governmental interference.

NWPC California achievements

All our current female elected officials from California and in the California State Legislature and Executive branch are NWPC endorsed and members or supporters of NWPC. This includes such strong leaders as Madam Vice President and former United States Senator Kamala D. Harris, United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, State Controller Betty Yee, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, California Senate Speaker Pro Tem Toni Atkins, United States Congressmembers Karen Bass, Barbara Lee, Anna Eshoo, Katie Porter, Grace Napolitano, Judy Chu, and many state legislators such as Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Buffy Wicks, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Laura Friendman, SharonQuirk-Silva, Cottie Petrie-Norris, and many more up and down the ballot. With the political and financial support of NWPC, it has been proven time and time again that when women run, women win!