Our daily work involves advocating for women’s equality. We focus on a variety of issues, from equal pay to childcare access to occupational licensing. We know that workforces, communities, and families are better off when the women involved in them are heard and supported. After much strategic planning and preparation, we took our work a big leap forward this week with a first-of-its-kind initiative to address women’s economic wellbeing in Missouri.
As announced on June 21, we are launching a Missouri Women’s Economic Development Task Force to study the issues surrounding women’s participation and advancement in the workforce. We’re beaming with excitement to be the leaders trailblazing a path with the first task force devoted to women’s economic development in Missouri. This initiative will shed light on what is holding women back so we can generate fresh solutions to longstanding challenges.
Through this initiative, we will make policy recommendations to improve outcomes for women in Missouri. Our goal is to ensure that we’re creating impact - not just right now - but for years to come as we support future generations of women. In addition, we anticipate that our approach will be a model for other states. A dedicated, coordinated effort to understand women’s issues is more critical than ever, as the number of women participating in the workforce right now has declined to what it was in 1988. Economic empowerment for women is a moral imperative. We don’t have a moment to spare.
The task force will draw on existing research commissioned by United WE, including the Status of Women in Missouri and The Coronavirus Impact on Missouri Women reports. It will draw on hearing firsthand from as many women as possible in Missouri through 7 town halls throughout the state this summer. Their work will culminate in a series of policy recommendations for state leaders and lawmakers at the end of 2021. This monumental project has been made possible by generous funding from Missouri Foundation for Health, Centene Corporation and Cerner.
So, how will we execute and achieve results? Following this week’s kickoff, the task force will convene in the early fall to discuss the quantitative and qualitative data from real Missouri women. We will listen, analyze, and be creative about pragmatic solutions. I’m most excited to see how these insights better translate our research into actionable change. Data and stories not only inform, but inspire policy changes that address the everyday experiences of women working across Missouri, from the boardroom to the hair salon.
Meet our Task Force Members
We are the first organization to take on such an effort in Missouri, and are honored to be joined by an incredible group of women leaders across industries, locations and backgrounds. It should come as no surprise that this is a group of immensely talented and passionate individuals who share our vision to elevate and advance women’s equity, and we are excited for the future! Thank you to our task force members; meet them here.
Gender equity is a workforce and economic development issue that demands attention as we navigate a “new normal.” Change is needed today in order to address inequities that exist for women everywhere. We’re proud of our progress to date, but we’re ready and open to the changes that we’ll see as a result of our task force and town halls. We’re embracing change today. Come along with us as we trailblaze new paths, identify new solutions and make meaningful impact for women in the Heartland and beyond.
Kindly,
