Political Participation
Shaping their own future
When women participate in the political process, they shape policies in ways that reflect their interests and needs. The Status of Women in the States’ Political Participation Index looks at women as voters, grassroots activists and campaign fundraisers, and officeholders and examines the uneven progress they have made.
Articles and Publications
Fixing the Child Care Staffing Shortage by Making Child Care Jobs “Good Jobs”
Download Report Child care is an essential support for parents’ full participation in the economy, education, and training, and for children’s growth and development into healthy and well-adjusted adults. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic’s onset, however, high-quality and affordable child care was [...]
IWPR Reproductive Rights Index: A State-by-State Analysis and Ranking
Download Report The Status of Women in the States Initiative at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research provides timely data and research on women’s progress and well-being in the United States on a number of important indicators: employment and earnings, political participation, [...]
UNIVERSAL PRE-K WILL SAVE FAMILIES $17 BILLION IN OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
Universal preschool provides excellent benefits to children and families. It improves school readiness and provides long-term educational benefits. Children who attend preschool are less likely to get arrested later in life or face disciplinary measures such as juvenile incarceration. They are also more likely [...]
Women Make Gains in Men-Dominated Jobs, but Still Lag Behind in COVID-19 Recovery
Employment data released in April 2022 show another month of strong job growth. Women gained the majority of total job growth and moved into men-dominated jobs, like construction. Still, women are still much further than men from reaching pre-pandemic levels.
Numbers Matter: Clarifying the Data on Women Working in Construction
In 2021, the number of women working in trades occupations reached the highest level ever. However, many women in the trades, particularly women of color, face discrimination in hiring and on the job. Having clear data can create accountability and help ensure that women have access to sustainable careers in the trades.
The Status of Women in North Carolina: Poverty & Opportunity
In North Carolina and across the United States, women have made significant progress. Despite this, many women remain in poverty with limited access to a quality education, affordable health care services, and other supports that would give them economic security. This report looks at four indicators necessary for women’s economic success: (1) access to health insurance coverage, (2) educational attainment, (3) business ownership, and (4) poverty rates. These indicators are combined to create an index that ranks North Carolina against all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
