In 2005, WGF collaborated with Chatham College’s Regional Women’s Initiative to complete a groundbreaking study of The Status of Women in SWPA, a county-by-county analysis of the status of women in the region.
The analysis model we used was developed nationally by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) in Washington, D.C. Every two years, for the last ten years, IWPR has released a nationally recognized benchmark study of The Status of Women in the States ranking each state in regards to women’s health, economic autonomy, reproductive rights, and political participation. In 2004, IWPR released a county-by-county analysis model which local organizations could use to study more local data. It is this model which we used to develop The Status of Women in SWPA report.
Beginning this year, WGF has engaged in a “Road 2 Equity Tour”. The tour provides WGF the opportunity to present the findings of the The Status of Women in SWPA in each of the eleven counties. WGF and Chatham College partner with local organizations and community foundations in each county to conduct “town hall meetings” in order to attract participation by elected officials, social service providers, volunteers, corporate leaders, local activists, and the media countywide.
Through the program, WGF informs citizens with the current data from the report, while additionally engaging each community in a moderated discussion about which aspects of the report that particular county might want to work t change. We ask participants what challenges or strengths are explored in the report, which they would want to work with WGF to either eliminate – or leverage –in order to increase gender equity and the overall economic health of that community.
The Road 2 Equity Tour serves as the first step in starting the dialogue about making real change happen in the counties – WGF then continues to work with community leaders to make sure they have the support they need to achieve desired systemic changes within their communities.
Check out the Women’s Foundation of California’s Road to Equity project!
If you’re interested in partnering with WGF to bring a Road 2 Equity Tour stop to your community, please contact info@wgfpa.org at 412-434-4883.
