We cannot achieve meaningful change for women without equity for all, and it’s important to recognize that women of color face unique challenges. Change will not come far enough or fast enough unless we are inclusive and continue an intentional focus on marginalized members of our community.
While we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to note that women of color are facing barriers every day, each month, all year long. United WE is steadfast in our research-based approach to create systemic change for women and families from all walks of life. Our research demonstrates that women in Missouri and Kansas, like women across the country, face issues like pay inequity, difficulty accessing child care, poverty, and more. The gaps, however, are often even more severe for women of color.
For example, the gender wage gap still persists, especially for women of color. Women in Missouri in 2018 earned on average 77.5 cents for every dollar earned by a man, and the gap is even larger at 68 cents for Black women. This fundamental inequity often compounds other economic and social challenges women face, like limited access to child care, as it is women who often take up the mantle of care, something that has been reinforced in the wake of the COVID-19 disease outbreak. And for those women working in childcare, nearly half of whom are women of color, they are largely underpaid. Nationally, median wages for early educators often fall below the poverty threshold.
When we conducted our research, we held listening sessions to hear observations from Black women in our community. In these sessions, participants reported economic barriers such as limited access to education, limited access to capital to start businesses, few advancement opportunities, and lack of support for working mothers. We heard these women report interest in civic leadership roles to support underrepresented communities and help those less fortunate, however they were hesitant because they did not believe that their voices would be heard and respected.
At United WE, we envision a world where all women are empowered to strengthen America’s economy, democracy, and to represent their community by having a seat at the civic decision-making table. That is why diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of our organization’s mission.
We know that research and data are powerful tools to help unlock women’s economic potential. Data and stories inform and inspire policy that address the everyday experiences of working women across the state, from the boardroom to the home offices of small business owners. For example, the American Rescue Plan Act in 2020 expanded the child tax credit from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under the age of six and $3,000 for children ages six to 17. Researchers estimate that the expanded child tax credit has the potential to reduce child poverty by 40%.
Join our movement — we need your talents, experience, values and insights. Together, we will find solutions to overcome barriers to economic development and civic leadership that impacts all women and their families.
United We Advocate,
Wendy
