The Women's Foundation of Colorado Releases Nonpartisan Voter Handbook to Educate Policymakers, Community Members About Advancing Women's Economic Security
Handbook proposes policy solutions to strengthen Colorado economy by improving opportunities for women and families
DENVER, Sept. 25, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Women's Foundation of Colorado Releases Nonpartisan Voter Handbook to Educate Policymakers, Community Members about Advancing Women's Economic Security
Handbook proposes policy solutions to strengthen Colorado economy by improving opportunities for women and families
Although Colorado has the nation's leading economy and women comprise 46 percent of the state's workforce, women in Colorado are more likely to live in poverty than men, and poverty rates are higher for women than men at every level of educational attainment. To addresses disparities such as these, on National Voter Registration Day The Women's Foundation of Colorado (WFCO) has released a voter handbook — The Womanifesto — to educate policymakers and community members about advancing women's economic security and provide nonpartisan policy solutions to strengthen Colorado's economy by improving opportunities for women and families.
"The sorts of changes we're advocating for matter to women at every economic level as we strive for greater economic security — from child care provider to cashier to CEO," said Louise Myrland, vice president of programs for WFCO. "Everyone benefits when all Colorado women have access to the tools to thrive and resources to enter, remain, and succeed in their careers."
In 2014, the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that if Colorado women earned the same as comparable men, the poverty rate for all working women would be cut in half and the state economy would grow by an additional $9.2 billion, or 3.0 percent of the state's GDP. The handbook is intended to help people learn about the key issues, such as the persistent gender pay gap, and policy solutions to unlock women's full participation in and contribution to the economy. The Womanifesto outlines a number of specific policy solutions, including improving access to and affordability of high-quality child care, ensuring all workers can access paid medical and family leave, improving wage standards and transparency, and investing in education and job skills training.
"The policy changes we prioritize in this document will result in better economic opportunities for people across the state," Myrland said. "Employers will get what they need to grow their businesses, more families will have the resources to meet their basic needs and invest in their futures and in their communities, Colorado's workforce will be strengthened, and the state's economy will continue to grow and thrive."
The voter handbook includes action steps for voters and policymakers who want to effect change to strengthen Colorado. It encourages Coloradans to learn about the issues and apply that knowledge as voters; to share The Womanifesto and encourage friends, family, neighbors, and networks to register and be informed voters; and to connect with their elected officials to elevate these issues and policy solutions. The Womanifesto voter handbook is just one of WFCO's nonpartisan community civic engagement and advocacy tools, which also include educational events and a lobby day. Voters can access The Womanifesto online at: http://www.wfco.org/womanifesto.
"The Womanifesto is a direct outgrowth of our mission to catalyze community to advance and accelerate economic opportunities for Colorado women and their families," said Lauren Y. Casteel, president and CEO of The Women's Foundation of Colorado. "Public policy and civic engagement are powerful tools for change. With this voter handbook, we're asking the public to join us in raising our voices to improve opportunities for women and families in our state."
About The Women's Foundation of Colorado
WFCO is a unique community foundation creating more pathways to prosperity for Colorado women through the power of community, philanthropy, and impact. Since 1987, more than 70,000 individual gifts have helped WFCO fund more than 30 research reports, pass nearly 50 pieces of legislation, and grant more than $18 million to nonprofits in communities statewide. Visit http://www.wfco.org for more information about our communities of giving.
SOURCE The Women's Foundation of Colorado
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