SWS – Reproductive RightsAdministrator2021-09-17T16:12:21-05:00

Reproductive Rights

The equal participation of women in politics and government is integral to building strong communities and a vibrant democracy in which women and men can thrive. By voting, running for office, and engaging in civil society as leaders and activists, women shape laws, policies, and decision-making in ways that reflect their interests and needs, as well as those of their families and communities.

Today, women constitute a powerful force in the electorate and inform policymaking at all levels of government. Yet, women continue to be underrepresented in governments across the nation and face barriers that often make it difficult for them to exercise political power and assume leadership positions in the public sphere. This chapter presents data on several aspects of women’s involvement in the political process in the United States: voter registration and turnout, female state and federal elected and appointed representation, and state-based institutional resources for women. It examines how women fare on these indicators of women’s status, the progress women have made and where it has stalled, and how racial and ethnic disparities compound gender disparities in specific forms of political participation.

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Political Participation Rank and Score by State

Women of Color in Economics and Sociology: Poor Climate, Unequal Treatment, and Lack of Legitimacy

A recent survey by the American Economics’ Association (AEA), for example, revealed widespread gender and racial discrimination in the field, with nearly half of women reporting unequal treatment, including sexual harassment and failure to take their work seriously (American Economic Association 2019).

The Economic Effects of Abortion Access: A Review of the Evidence

Deciding whether and when to have a child is central to a woman’s economic well-being. It has implications for continuing education and joining the workforce, which can affect other long-term economic outcomes. As threats to abortion access increase and widen existing disparities, it is crucial to examine the range of economic effects that can result from this changing landscape.

The Economic Effects of Abortion Access: A Review of the Evidence (Fact Sheet)

Deciding whether and when to have a child is central to a woman’s economic well-being. It has implications for continuing education and joining the workforce, which can affect other long-term economic outcomes. As threats to abortion access increase and widen existing disparities, it is crucial to examine the range of economic effects that can result from this changing landscape.

Making “Free College” Programs Work for College Students with Children

DOWNLOAD REPORT Making “Free College” Programs Work for College Students with Children College is one of the most reliable routes to economic security for parents and their children. College credentials are linked to increased earnings, higher rates of employment, lower poverty rates, and [...]

Work Supports for Adult Health: The Role of Paid Family and Medical Leave

Many Americans struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. As the United States population ages — with the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that by 2035 those 65 and older will outnumber the youth for the first time in history – the number of men and women who are providing care for someone age 65 and older will continue to increase. In addition, one in seven people live with an adult with a disability.

By IWPR|May 31, 2019|Presentation|