A historic number of women were elected to Congress in 2012 . They spoke with one voice decrying the Nigerian schoolgirl kidnappings . Their clout is being felt more frequently on hot-button issues . The U.S. Senate has been a particularly fertile ground for female lawmakers, and it was no surprise that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., became the first woman ever elected to the chamber when she won
A historic number of women were elected to Congress in 2012 . They spoke with one voice decrying the Nigerian schoolgirl kidnappings . Their clout is being felt more frequently on hot-button issues . Studies find women are more bipartisan , but get more done when in the minority party .