[5] CWGCS "seeks to deepen and broaden political access and economic opportunities for women by strengthening the capacity of government, nonprofit and business sectors to implement gender-responsive, inclusive and equitable policies, practices and services.

"[6] CWGCS has four focus areas: 1) women in leadership, 2) economic security, 3) health systems and gender-based disparity, and 4) safety and wellbeing.

CWGCS studies have included evaluations of gender equity in the American judiciary, women's influence in American state legislatures and state agencies, women's political leadership attainment in the developing world, and gender-based disparities in healthcare.

[7][9] During the second U.S. presidential debate, Mitt Romney defended his gender-equity record by citing a 2004 CWGCS study that ranked Massachusetts first in the percentage of women holding senior leadership roles in state government.

"[7] WLA programs seek to instill "knowledge of policy-making processes and ways women can influence these processes; leadership ethics, principles and approaches of women political and policy leaders; understanding of how political campaigns are organized and run; recognition of the critical importance of diversity in enriching democratic political participation; skills in community organizing and advocacy; and commitment to advancing women's leadership on a personal and collective level.