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GTCF’s Fund for Women and Girls Seeks to Inspire Economic Equity in Pierce County through Community Conversations
In 2014, women held 52% of the jobs in Pierce County. In 2016, though, income for women in Pierce County was 22% less than men.
These are just two of the many revealing statistics that came to light through Greater Tacoma Community Foundation’s research into Pierce County’s economic growth opportunities. A newly released Status Report from Greater Tacoma Community Foundation (GTCF), drawn from ten months of work with researchers and experts, reveals both challenges and opportunities for Pierce County’s continued economic growth through three key indicators of women’s economic status locally: Income for Full-Time Year-Round Work, Income Based on Education Level, and Women in Leadership Positions.
GTCF pursued its research into Women’s Economic Opportunity in response to the powerful community support for The Fund for Women and Girls (FFWG). Supporters contributed more than $610,500 which resulted in 176 grants to 64 organizations over the past twelve years. Those partnerships reached more than 5,000 individuals.
As the initiative of FFWG, Women’s Economic Opportunity will draw community focus to the challenges and benefits for the entire community of improving women’s economic status. This Status Report is the first of many reports that will be shared to catalyze a dynamic community conversation. The input from community will inform action plans to make a significant impact on the three key women’s economic indicators.
To allow time to fully understand and discuss the issues around women’s economic opportunity in Pierce County, and to receive robust community input, GTCF will host a series of community events that will highlight key factors for women’s economic health, local data, and will solicit community input for action maps to leverage positive change.
The Women’s Economic Opportunity events will held this summer. Currently, a committee of local representatives from nonprofits, businesses, schools, and the city are developing the themes and speakers to be featured.