Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Research and Policy Brief

Volume

53

Publisher

Utah Women & Leadership Project

Publication Date

10-5-2023

First Page

1

Last Page

17

Abstract

Research shows that organizations will increasingly thrive when both men and women hold leadership roles.1 Gender inclusivity benefits not only businesses, but also entities such as churches, state legislatures, city councils, state governments, and state and local boards and commissions. Studies have shown that there are numerous benefits to attracting, retaining, promoting, and empowering women within organizations and entities. More specifically, research demonstrates the need for the government—and democratic governance processes in general—to reflect gender diversity accurately within its constituency at all levels.2 Utah is no exception. In fact, in Utah (Code 67-1-11), since 1992, appointing authorities were supposed to “strongly consider nominating, appointing, or reappointing a qualified individual whose gender is in the minority” on state boards and commissions.3 Yet, not until recently has this become a priority.

In 2016 and 2019, the Utah Women & Leadership Project published research and policy briefs focused on analyzing the gender composition of Utah state boards and commissions.4 It provided useful data to individuals, groups, organizations, and communities working toward improving equality and the general status of girls and women throughout the state. This 2023 update compares the current status of women on Utah state boards and commissions to the research conducted in 2016 and 2019 and to the latest national statistics.

For 2023, we partnered closely with the Office of Boards and Commissions for Governor Spencer J. Cox. Data were collected through a number of methods, including mining the Utah State Boards and Commissions website,5 searching websites dedicated to the specific boards (where available), and emailing/calling agency or division directors and other representatives overseeing various boards and commissions. A new state website had just been launched, but it was not yet fully updated. Fortunately, for this report update, most of the 40 agencies or divisions were transparent, had beneficial websites, and/or answered our inquiries via email or phone. However, several were not responsive after numerous attempts (see “Data Unavailable” in the Appendix). Additionally, a number of the boards and commissions are newly formed and are still in process of filling the seats. At least three researchers or research assistants searched and confirmed the data to be the best available for each board or commission.

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