As the executive director of The New Majority NYC, Ebonie Simpson is deeply passionate about gender equity in politics and the transformative power of women’s political leadership. She has dedicated her career to advancing social justice, equity, and community efficacy, and has witnessed firsthand the significant impact women leaders can have on society.
In 2017, a coalition of women leaders and elected officials launched the 21 in ’21 Initiative with the goal of placing 21 women in City Council seats by 2021. Surpassing their goal, they made history by electing 31 women to the City Council, resulting in a majority women and majority women of color council for the first time.
The impact of this historic election was evident, with the Council passing landmark legislation to protect abortion access, improve maternal health, provide financial relief for homeowners, expand eligibility for programs like Fair Fares, and ban solitary confinement in city jails. During the budget cycle, the Council also prevented drastic library cuts, restored the composting program, and supported critical social services for various vulnerable populations.
However, as the 2025 council election approaches, there is a risk of losing the hard-fought majority of women in the City Council. With 10 open seats, including three women and seven men incumbents who are term-limited, there is a potential setback in achieving gender parity. This could undermine the progress made in the past four years and impede long-term gender equity in political leadership at all levels of government.
The importance of women’s political leadership is emphasized in the current climate of attacks on civil rights, social services, and bodily autonomy. Having diverse representation in local leadership is crucial to safeguarding the city against injustices and ensuring that key issues like childcare, healthcare, education, economic justice, and workplace equality are addressed effectively.
The New Majority NYC believes that sustaining gender parity in political leadership is not just about numbers but about meaningful inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives to drive equitable policies and create a more just and inclusive society. The organization is committed to endorsing women-identified candidates who align with their mission and working towards a future where gender equity in political leadership is a reality at all levels of government.
As New York City prepares for the 2025 elections, there is an opportunity to turn the achievement of 2021 into a lasting movement for gender parity in political leadership. By ensuring that diverse voices are represented at the decision-making table, the city can work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all its residents. Ebonie Simpson and The New Majority NYC are dedicated to building political power for women and advocating for meaningful representation in government.