Women's Economic Well-Being

Policy Work

Women’s economic well-being is a critical facet of gender equality and societal progress.

Achieving economic security and empowerment for women is not only a matter of fundamental human rights but also an essential driver of economic growth and social stability. When women have access to equal opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, they can contribute significantly to the workforce and the overall economy. Addressing gender pay gaps, promoting financial literacy, and ensuring access to affordable childcare and family support services are key steps toward enhancing women’s economic well-being. Empowering women economically not only benefits them individually but also strengthens families, communities, and nations, leading to a more equitable and prosperous world for all.

According to recent economic reports:

Raising the minimum wage benefits the nation’s lowest wage workers and yields benefits for employers and businesses.
Higher wages for lower earners decrease employee turnover.
In Wyoming, Department of Workforce Services recommends raising the minimum wage to help close the gender wage gap.
Female minimum wage FT workers lack health insurance and most likely to fall into the Medicaid expansion coverage gap.

A Paycheck Fairness Act, modeled on federal efforts, would include:

Protect against retaliation for discussing salaries.
Prohibit employers from requiring salary history during the interview and hiring process.
Require employers to prove that pay disparities exist for legitimate, job-related reasons.
Create negotiation skills programs for women & girls.