In today's New York City Council, just 14 of the 51 members are women. And that's actually down from 18, a decade ago.
Dr. Christina Greer, political science professor at Fordham University, discusses the need for a gender quota on the city council.
And New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito added it's not just about gender.
"It’s critical that our government really have very diverse and rich representation," she said. That includes gender, race, ethnicity, and more.
The Speaker also discussed council news, including the recent report with over 100 policies aimed at young women and girls.
It’s “just plain wrong” we have such a lack of representation of women in legislation, says @MMViverito. Critical this becomes a priority.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 20, 2016
Descriptive representation is important, says @Dr_CMGreer. "I’ve seen little girls look at [@MMViverito] in awe," seeing a realistic option.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 20, 2016
In 1976 when an African-American female #judge visited #Bronx JHS135, it opened the eyes of all the girls. https://t.co/K5OJwM80lE
— TheRivertownsCrier (@IrvingsRoost) May 20, 2016