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The number of Republican women elected to Congress has increased slightly over the last two congressional election cycles, starting with 44 in 2000, and rising to 49 in 2002 and then 55 in 2004, according to data compiled by the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Lisa Ziriax, communications director for the National Federation of Republican women said she attributes this increase of women in Republican leadership roles to both inspirational characters and the party's platform.
"I think some women may be motivated by seeing figures like (Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice, but I think it is primarily the issues that motivate them," she said.
At GW, Republican student leaders believe that women are becoming some of the most active members of their party, despite their low membership numbers.
Alexandra Valenti, membership director for GW College Republicans, said about 38 percent of this year's members are females, but stressed that "among our most dedicated members, our female members outrank the men."
"Especially when thinking about all of our active members, I would venture to say that we have more very active women than men, though men do have a monopoly on the executive board," she wrote in an e-mail. This year, there are seven men and three women on the group's executive board and next year there will be five men and three women on the board, plus two freshman representatives elected in early fall.
At an event for women the GW College Republicans held at the University Club last week, speakers emphasized the importance of female Republicans in college making their involvement in the party known.
At the event, attended by about 50 women, National Federation of Republican Women Membership Director Andrea Bryan explained that the organization is launching a new program to expand membership to young women. She added that the party's main female demographic is white, middle-aged homemakers, and that "needs to change."
