Championing Women in the Workplace: A Call to Action This Women’s History Month
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is essential to not only honor the achievements of women in the workplace but also to recognize the challenges they continue to face. At Chicago Jobs Council (CJC), we partner with organizations that champion the rights of women in the workforce. Organizations like Women Employed, New Moms, and the Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) provide invaluable support to women, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to thrive. However, the very systems that enable their success are under attack, and now more than ever, we must uplift their work and defend their rights.
The Urgency of Advocacy
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives extend beyond race; they encompass gender, disability, and socioeconomic equity. Unfortunately, women, particularly those in male-dominated trades, continue to face rampant harassment and discrimination. According to the Economic Policy Institute, women comprise only 55.2% of the workforce. Although this number is up from years past, it still falls short of the number of men contributing to the workforce at 65.2%, a gap that has rarely narrowed in US History. This reality underscores the importance of organizations like CWIT, which provides training and resources for women in trades, and Women Employed, which advocates for workplace policies that protect women’s rights. The contributions of these organizations to workforce development are immeasurable, but their ability to operate effectively depends on the support of communities and policymakers.
Women’s Rights in the Workplace: A Timeline of Progress and Setbacks
Women have made significant strides in workforce participation and leadership. From securing the right to equal pay with the Equal Pay Act of 1963 to combating workplace harassment through Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the path has been hard-fought. Yet, decisions to cut funding for the Department of Education, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and DEI initiatives threaten to undo decades of progress. With the current employment rate in the US by women at 55% according to the Economic Policy Institute, these setbacks could have far-reaching consequences for women’s participation in the workforce.
The Unique Contributions of these Partner Organizations
Each of our partner organizations brings a distinct advantage to the workforce development ecosystem:
Women Employed: Advocates for fair wages, paid leave, and workplace protections for women.
New Moms: Empowers young mothers through employment training, housing support, and parenting programs.
CWIT: Opens pathways for women in the trades, providing access to well-paying, non-traditional careers.
Their collective impact is a testament to the power of targeted support and advocacy in advancing women’s rights.
What You Can Do to Support Women in the Workforce
Now is the time to act. Here are specific steps you can take to help:
Contact Your Federal Representative: Advocate for continued funding and support for DEI initiatives and workforce development programs. Use this link to find your representative.
Champion the Skills Agenda: Support legislation that aligns with the needs of women in the workforce and the missions of our partner organizations.
Spread Awareness: Share the stories and successes of women in your community and workplace. Visibility is a powerful tool for change.
Donate or Volunteer: Support organizations like Women Employed, New Moms, and CWIT to help them expand their reach and impact.
Women’s Workforce Participation Benefits Us All
Investing in women’s success in the workplace is an investment in our collective future. When women thrive, communities and economies grow stronger. This Women’s History Month, let’s stand united in championing women’s rights and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to advance and lead in her career.
Support women. Support progress. Support equity.
