On June 14, the White House and its partners convened people from around the world for the United State of Women, a large-scale effort to both celebrate how far women and girls have come and discuss all that still remains to be done.
There has been a lot of progress for women’s equality, but there is still more work to do. From equal pay and paid family sick leave to civic engagement and entrepreneurship, the Aspen Institute policy programs are working diligently to move women forward. The United State of Women Summit is an important convening to increase dialogue across many sectors, but this is just the beginning.
Several women leading efforts at the Aspen Institute shared their insights on policy and community actions that will help increase equality for women and continue breaking through barriers.
Economic Empowerment
Maureen Conway, vice president and executive director of the Economic Opportunities Program at the Aspen Institute, advocates for new policies and strategies that help women in the workplace find opportunities, build skills, and continue doing the work they value in their homes and communities. Economic empowerment is key to moving women forward.
Business Ownership
Joyce Klein, director of the Aspen Institute Microenterprise Fund for Innovation, Effectiveness, Learning and Dissemination (FIELD), outlines the importance of creating and supporting business ownership opportunities for women as a tactical step to move women forward. Helping women start and grow businesses opens opportunities for greater economic equality and jumpstarts wealth generation.
A Better Future for Americans
Anne Mosle, vice president and executive director of Ascend, shares her excitement for the United State of Women Summit. Bringing more voices to the table for dialogue is needed for progress in the journey toward gender equality.
Racial Equity is Crucial
Marjorie Sims, managing director of Ascend and co-founder of Women’s Policy, Inc. highlights the scope of work that Aspen’s Ascend program does in lifting up all women and families across different generations and backgrounds. Racial equity is crucial in the discussion and work toward gender equality.
Addressing the Wealth Gap
Ida Rademacher, executive director of the Financial Security Program (FSP) at the Aspen Institute, shares insight on the efforts to address the wealth gap that affect women in the US. Rademacher explains that talking about economic inequality requires not just a conversation about income, but also about wealth. Wealth is the main driver of economic well-being and addressing the gender wealth gap is important to move women forward.
A Better Politics
Abigail Golden-Vazquez, executive director of the Latinos and Society Program, emphasizes the role that Latina women have in their families and communities. Raising awareness and supporting Latina women in business, politics and family life will create a strong and thriving citizenry.
The state of women is strong and it is powerful, yet a lot of work lies ahead. There are many men and women working towards greater equality at the Aspen Institute, at the national level, and globally. Dialogue is important, but it is just the first step. Tell us what you are you doing to help move women forward in your community using the hashtag #WomenForward.
