Economic Security
for Women and Families

Expand opportunities for women’s success

Women are the primary source of financial support for many families and bear significant caretaking responsibilities at home. At YWCA, we believe no one should have to choose between their livelihoods and their health, their family, or their safety. Yet as a result of their dual roles as caregivers and primary breadwinners, many women in the workforce, particularly women of color, are often forced to choose between their family’s economic security and their health when they or their loved ones need care. Moreover, women continue to face the economic barriers of pay inequity, sexual harassment, and discrimination.

YWCA urges immediate action to:

• Work toward equal pay for equal work and pass legislation prohibiting the use of salary history in job interviews and negotiations

• Enact nondiscrimination laws, such as the Equality Act

• Prohibit sexual harassment on the basis of gender and gender identity in the workplace

• Codify paid family and medical leave, paid sick, and safe leave that are inclusive of all families, with strong accountability and job protection requirements