Equity. It’s one of our core values. At Women Employed, we believe every woman should have the ability to achieve financial security for herself and her family. In a tumultuous year for our country, we have never wavered from this value. And this year, we've made crucial advances on equal pay, paid sick time, and pathways to college and careers.
The key to our success is you. More than ever, in 2017 we’ve seen the power of women coming together. It really is up to us. Help us win more victories »
GALVANIZING A NEW WAVE OF ADVOCATES
Watch Missy talk about what getting involved with WE has meant to her.
Activism is in our DNA. This year, we've seen new threats to women's economic security, and we've seen old threats revived. But we've seen even more women rise to the occasion and stand up to make their voices heard. And we have given thousands of them places to be advocates—whether by marching and rallying; writing or calling legislators; or volunteering to get involved—channeling their passion into concrete actions that are making a real difference.
OPENING DOORS TO BETTER CAREERS
See how bridge programs are changing the lives of one instructor's students.
Education is the key to a better future for many women and their families. But it can be hard to know where to start when you don't have a high school diploma or the math, reading, writing, or English skills to succeed in college. That's where WE comes in. Through our partnership with City Colleges of Chicago, we're championing innovative "bridge" programs that are helping more women get degrees in fields such as information technology, healthcare, and the culinary arts.
HELPING CHICAGOLAND WORKERS EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO PAID SICK TIME
Get a glimpse of the positive change this law will bring to working people. Watch Kahphira's story.
Everyone gets sick. At Women Employed, we believe every working person should have the right to take the time they need to get better without fear of losing their jobs. In 2016, we helped pass a sick time ordinance in Chicago and Cook County, and this year we launched the biggest public education campaign in Women Employed's history and helped thousands of working people learn about their new right.
ONE STEP CLOSER TO CLOSING ILLINOIS' WAGE GAP
How do salary history questions impact women? Hear real stories.
Despite all our advances, women still earn less than men, and the wage gap has hardly budged in a decade. One reason the wage gap is so persistent? The common practice of employers asking job candidates for their salary history. This year, WE championed a bill to end this practice in Illinois. It passed with bipartisan support, but the governor vetoed it. We won't back down. We'll keep pushing for innovative policies like this to close the wage gap. Find out how you can help »
THANKS TO YOU FOR MOVING US FORWARD
The key to our success is you. We salute the many foundations, corporations, and individuals who have generously contributed to Women Employed. We are deeply grateful to you for investing in economic advancement for working women.
Your support makes it possible for WE to seize the best opportunities to drive change. You can see your impact in the pages of this report. Together, we’ll continue to work towards a world in which every woman can advance economically and achieve her aspirations.
Haven't made your gift yet? Make a contribution today!