Heather Hardinger and Brittany O’Brien appointed to the Mayor's Commission  for Human Rights & Community Relations

Women’s Foundation and ROSIE are proud to announce the appointments of Heather Hardinger and Brittany O’Brien to the City of Springfield's Mayor's Commission for Human Rights & Community Relations. Hardinger and O’Brien were appointed by Mayor Ken McClure who has expressed great interest in seeing increased civic engagement from women and young professionals.

Statement on Election of Lyda Krewson as First Woman Mayor of St. Louis

"We are delighted to offer our congratulations to Lyda Krewson for being elected the first woman mayor of St. Louis City.  It took nearly 200 years, but history was made last night and the glass ceiling in St. Louis was broken, paving the way for more women mayors to come.  We offer our support to Mayor-elect Krewson and wish her the best as she takes the helm of city government.

We’d also like to thank Mayor Francis Slay for his partnership in the Women's Foundation Appointments Project, helping promote more women to city boards and commissions."

Actions Speak Louder than Words

Today, Equal Pay Day, is a symbolic day to recognize how far into the year a woman needs to work just to make the same amount a man made last year.

Women’s Foundation believes equal pay is imperative for economic empowerment, and is committed to closing the gender pay gap for women and their families. To achieve this goal, Women’s Foundation developed Pay Equity Best Practices Guidelines to encourage organizations to do their part in closing the pay gap.

Missouri is Making History with Paid Family Leave Policies

During Women's History Month, there is no better way to celebrate the women who have come before us than to actually make progress towards equality.

That's why it's been an exciting few weeks for those of us who work to advance policy solutions, such as paid family leave, that economically empower women.  

Women’s Foundation research shows that paid family leave policies strengthen families, reduce reliance on government assistance and support economic growth. It's good for women, their families and employers.

Statement from Women's Foundation on Governor Eric Greitens' executive order on paid parental leave

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation, released the following statement today regarding Governor Eric Greitens’ executive order on paid parental leave: 

“We are very pleased that Governor Greitens has taken executive action to provide state employees with paid parental leave and make Missouri a national leader in advancing family-friendly policies for its state workforce. Women’s Foundation research shows that paid family leave policies strengthen families, reduce reliance on government assistance and support economic growth.

At Women’s Foundation, we are dedicated to ending the false choice between work and family. Missourians value both. We applaud Governor Greitens for his leadership on this issue.” 

Statement from Women's Foundation on Auditor Galloway's New Leave Policies

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women's Foundation, released the following statement today regarding Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway's New Office Policies to Benefit Employees Dealing with Domestic Violence.    

Women's Foundation applauds State Auditor Nicole Galloway for implementing commonsense office policies to protect the safety and well-being of her staff.  Women and men should not have to choose between their job and their safety. Domestic violence compromises more than one’s health—it has a devastating impact on the victim’s finances, which ultimately impacts Missouri’s economy. We hope more executive branch offices follow Auditor Galloway's lead.  

It is also our hope that this action raises awareness, and that members of the General Assembly pass legislation such as SB 268 (sponsored by Sen. Jill Schupp) and HB 842 (sponsored by Rep. Gina Mitten) which provide unpaid leave for employees and their children impacted by domestic and sexual violence.