Celebrating Women’s History Month
March 4, 2021
by Maria S. Salinas
Vice President Kamala Harris recently shared that nearly 2.5 million women left the workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It took decades for women to achieve positions of leadership, and the future of business in California cannot afford to lose those gains, especially in such a short period of time.
A report to be released on March 31, from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles will highlight the impact of the pandemic on women. Since its first publication in 2012, this annual report has featured a comprehensive compilation of research on the issues and trends which affect women. This year it will show, due to COVID-19, women are experiencing disproportionate disruptions in their education, career advancement, and well-being. We are preparing for some disconcerting findings, including the shocking statistic that at least 70% of California women have suffered from anxiety during the global pandemic. This data will be crucial as we build on the post-COVID economy.
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Women draw strength from each other, and this has never been felt more than when some historic glass ceilings were shattered earlier this year. Even so, we know more needs to be done. In the coming year we must emphasize policies and support systems which will help the women of America get back on track. While California has laws on the books to increase the number of women on corporate boards, we should be concerned that the opportunities to step into the board room may be impacted with so many women exiting the workforce. Our communities need more women in positions of leadership, and we must address how inequities take hold and persist to ensure these leaders have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
Earlier today, the Chamber hosted its Women in Leadership forum where we focused on many of the issues currently facing women. Not only did we discuss how to ensure there are on-ramps for those who stepped out of the workforce, but we discussed it in the ever more important context of women supporting women, a concept we should all support.
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For information on the Mount Saint Mary’s University report, click here.
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