Women’s Foundation Releases Updated Data on Gender Wage Gap, Encourages Employers To Adopt Equal Pay Best Practices

Latest Data Shows Earnings Ratio by County
 

Kansas City, Mo. – Ahead of Equal Pay Day on April 10th, the Women’s Foundation is encouraging employers to implement equal pay best practices to ensure gender pay parity among their employees. An updated analysis from the Women’s Foundation and the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy shows women in Missouri who work full-time, year-round, earn 78 cents for every dollar earned by men.

The Equal Pay Best Practices encourage employers to self audit pay disparities, evaluate their pay systems and promote pay transparency. Additionally, Women’s Foundation urged employers to rid their businesses of sexual harassment. Recent research indicates victims of sexual harassment not only suffer professionally but also financially.

“While some progress has been made to narrow the pay gap, we know there’s more work to do – especially for women of color who are still paid far less than men for the same work,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “Our Equal Pay Best Practices can help employers lead the way with research-informed solutions designed to close the pay gap and promote equity for all women. Women and their families simply cannot afford wait decades for the pay gap to close. And with a sustained effort by all of us, they won’t have to.”

The Women’s Foundation promotes research-informed solutions to close the gender pay gap and help America’s working families. Last year, U.S. Census data showed that while the female-to-male earnings ratio climbed to a record 80.5 percent, women of color continue to face significant disparities. Black women are typically paid 63 cents and Latinas are paid just 54 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.

In Missouri, data compiled by the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy shows that the gender pay gap is widest in the following Missouri counties: Reynolds, Ste. Genevieve, Douglas, Pemiscot, Carroll, Bollinger, St. Clair, Clinton, Lincoln, and Chariton.

While some communities are still struggling with pay equity, there are some counties in Missouri that are showing progress including DeKalb, Putnam, Osage, Stone, Daviess, Camden, Texas, Pike, Carter, and Ozark.

“The pay gap is a complex problem – and everyone has a role to play in being part of the solution: individual women negotiating for higher pay, employers following best practices, and policymakers prioritizing equity and opportunity for all workers,” continued Doyle.

Complete county-by-county data for Missouri is available here. 

To learn more about how the Women’s Foundation is working toward equal pay for equal work visit their website.

Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Appointee Profile: Tracee Adams

“Until a recent new appointment, I was the only non-staff woman on the board, and it’s critical that there be a woman’s perspective. I volunteered for many years but would not have thought about applying for a public board without the work of the Women’s Foundation and the Appointments project. I think it’s so important that more women get involved with civic leadership because when women’s voices are heard, everyone benefits.”

— Tracee Adams

Tracee Adams, a financial services professional, serves on the Wichita Police and Fire Retirement Board or Trustees, where, until most recently, she was the only non-staff woman on the board. 

First appointed to the board in December 2017 to finish out a vacant term, Tracee was re-appointed on March 9th, 2018 through the Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project, which aims to remove barriers for women to serve in civic leadership positions and increase the number of women serving on civic boards and commissions so that they are more reflective of the communities they serve. 

An experienced financial services professional, Tracee worked as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Wichita, helping assess the financial needs of individuals, companies and non-profit organizations. Prior to her work with Morgan Stanley, she was a financial advisor for NYLIFE Securities and a producer with New York Life Insurance Company. Most recently and currently, Tracee is the president and founder of her newly form Investment & Wealth Management firm – Hawthorn Capital LLC.   

Tracee is active in her industry and in her community, having served, on the Governance Board of Directors of KANSEL as the President and Treasurer and on the Leadership Board of Network Kansas Wichita E-Communities. Member & Chamber Ambassador of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, She is a past Circle of Red Member of the American Heart Association and on currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the Urban League of Kansas, as treasurer. A member of the  Junior Achievement of Kansas –Wichita, as board member and volunteer in the classroom and co-chair of the 2018 Hall of Fame In 2016. She was recognized as a Women in Business honoree by the Wichita Business Journal. She is the host of the radio show –The VIP Club on KSUN Radio - FM 104.9 where she discusses, financial concepts, economics and entrepreneurship.

Tracee graduated with a B.S. from the University of Maryland and has multiple securities licenses through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and the CFEI designation, through the National Financial Education Council.

Tracee is married to Eric Adams Sr., they are proud parents of two sons, Eric Jr and Xzavaier Adams. As a family they enjoy sporting events and supporting the Arts.

Decision to Set Aside Workplace Arbitration Bill is a Win for Missouri Women

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Women’s Foundation today applauded Missouri legislators for shelving legislation that would have made it harder for victims of sexual harassment to access the courts. Women’s Foundation worked to educate policymakers about the risks of this proposed legislation.

“Our work fighting sexual harassment is centered on developing policies that create safe and healthy work environments for both employees and employers. This legislation would have silenced victims and made it harder to combat the epidemic of sexual harassment in Missouri. We thank Missouri legislators for listening to our concerns and shelving this harmful bill.
”

— Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation

In December, Women’s Foundation issued a set of recommendations to combat sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature, including banning arbitration and limiting mediation in sexual harassment cases. The Women’s Foundation is also partnering with Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley on a comprehensive review of existing discrimination and harassment policies in the Capitol and across state government.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org   
 

6 Ways Women Are Making History By Making Change

For 25 years, the Women’s Foundation has been dedicated to working for change by commissioning research, developing solutions and getting results for women of all ages. 

This International Women's Day, we are celebrating the ways women today are making history by stepping up to make change in their communities, at their workplaces, and in the halls of power. 

1. We’re stepping up to lead in unprecedented numbers

This year marks the first time in history that the percentage of women in state legislatures has surpassed 25 percent, a number that is sure to rise after the 2018 elections – when a record number of women will be on the ballot.

We are also seeing more and more women step up to lead locally. Since 2014, our Appointments Project™ has helped more than 80 women gain appointments on public boards and commissions across Missouri and Kansas. 

This is good news, because research shows that women leaders sponsor more bills, pass more laws, and send their districts more money than their male counterparts. 

2. We’re banding together to dismantle injustice and harassment

Over the past year, women across the country have banded together to expose and confront sexual harassment and discrimination – and change the attitudes and culture that perpetuate them.

The #MeToo movement has been a reminder of the power of women’s voices – and the Women’s Foundation has worked to make sure policymakers in Kansas and Missouri are listening. Leaders in both states have taken steps to rid their state capitals of sexual harassment, a testament to the courageous women who spoke up and demanded to be heard.  

3. We’re recognizing that none of us can truly move forward if we leave some women behind. 

As women, we’re recognizing that while we’ve made significant progress toward equality, that progress has not been shared equally. 

Women of color, women with disabilities and women who are lesbian, bisexual or trans continue to face steep barriers to equity and opportunity – barriers that we have a joined obligation to recognize and dismantle. 

For example, recent Census data showed that while the overall pay gap is now the smallest it’s ever been – but Black women saw their wages decline. Today African-American women on average make only makes 63 percent of what a man is paid. 

The growing awareness of how women’s identities intersect and exacerbate these disparities is a critical step towards making sure we fight for equity for all women – regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation or background. 

4. We’re making changes that will benefit everyone

The push for paid medical and family leave is a prime example of how women are leading the charge for reforms that will benefit everyone. 

While women are still more likely to take paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child, paid leave programs are shown to help families and employers alike by reducing turnover and boosting productivity.

Since California implemented a statewide paid leave program, the number of men taking bonding leave has increased by more than 400 percent. 

5. We’re driving a new entrepreneurial boom. 

Women are starting businesses at double the rate of our male counterparts. In the United States, 36 percent of all businesses are owned by women, an increase of six percent from 2007. And an amazing 78 percent of the 3.5 million increase in women-owned firms between 2007 and 2016 are owned by women of color. 

Removing the occupational licensing barriers that prevent women from becoming entrepreneurs will further empower women to open their own businesses and pursue more rewarding, flexible careers – getting us one step closer to equity. 

6. We’re just getting started

From suffragettes to the Freedom Riders, women have always been change-makers. Today we continue to be on the frontlines of the push for progress, and we’re just getting started. 

Effort to Appoint More Women to Public Boards Expands in Kansas

Eleven Kansas municipalities are now participating in the Women’s Foundation’s Appointments Project™

Wichita, Kan. – An innovative program to increase the number of women serving on state and local boards and commissions, now serving eleven Kansas municipalities, held a live training in Wichita. The live hands-on training, hosted by the Women’s Foundation as part of their Appointments Project™, was designed for Kansas residents who are interested in serving on a board or commission. 

Started in 2014, the Appointments Project partners with state and local leaders to increase the number of women serving on public boards and commissions in Missouri and Kansas. In just four years, the Appointments Project™ has successfully placed more than 80 women on publicly-appointed boards and commissions throughout Missouri and Kansas. 

“In 2014 we commissioned a study into the reasons women don’t become civically engaged and too often, the answer was simple: they weren’t being asked,”  said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “That’s why we created the Appointments Project, and we’ve  been thrilled with the response." 

In November, the Women’s Foundation announced a partnership with the League of Kansas Municipalities, Kansas State University Extension and the Kansas Health Foundation to further expand into the state of Kansas. 

In addition to the state government of Kansas, the Appointments Project is now operating in 11 municipalities including Abilene, Atchison, Eudora, Merriam, Olathe, Pittsburgh, Shawnee, Topeka, Wichita, Johnson County and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. 

From #MeToo to #NoMore: How to end sexual harassment in government

Lauren Green was pursuing a promising career as a communications director on Capitol Hill when her career took a nosedive. She lost her job, moved back home and had to make ends meet by babysitting. The reason? She accused her boss, a congressman, of sexual harassment.

Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Warned that she would be “blackballed” for speaking out and told even by friends that she would never work in Washington, D.C., again, Lauren experienced repercussions for speaking out that were swift and all-encompassing.

Like countless other women who have courageously come forward to share their #MeToo stories, Lauren’s experience demonstrates the way sexual harassment can have a devastating impact not only on a woman’s physical and emotional well-being, but on her career path as well.

Every instance of sexual harassment, especially when it is perpetrated by elected officials entrusted with political leadership, is a setback for gender equity and opportunity — and a harmful breach of the public’s trust.

As an organization that works to address the underrepresentation of women in public service, the Women’s Foundation has seen first-hand how sexual harassment contributes to a self-perpetuating cycle.

Hostile work environments have a deterrent effect on women’s civic participation, which means many state capitols continue to be dominated by men — and overly tolerant of inappropriate behavior.

A survey by The Associated Press found that one-third of all state legislatures do not require lawmakers to participate in sexual harassment training and that most legislative bodies do not conduct independent, external investigations.

So how can we combat sexual harassment and marshal the political will to change the culture that enables it?

At the Women’s Foundation, we believe in a collaborative approach, one that’s informed by research and laser-focused on practical, proven solutions.

Last year, after gathering input from advocates, legal experts and stakeholders, we submitted a set of recommendations to the Kansas Legislature. They included:

• Requiring elected officials, legislative staff, interns and lobbyists to actively participate in an annual training on civil discourse, cultural competence and sexual harassment;
• Providing for independent, outside legal counsel to conduct sexual harassment investigations;
• Allowing victims to report their allegations anonymously;
• Establishing a non-fraternization policy for elected officials, legislative staff, interns and lobbyists;
• Banning arbitration and limiting mediation; and
• Increasing the number of women in leadership roles.

In both Jefferson City and Topeka, we’ve found willing partners in this effort. In Kansas, Gov. Jeff Colyer and state Sen. Susan Wagle have acted on our recommendations and taken steps to prevent sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation across state government.

In Missouri, we have worked with Attorney General Josh Hawley and House Speaker Todd Richardson to strengthen sexual harassment policies and provide a safe, respectful and professional environment for everyone who works for — or interacts with — state government.

And in both states, our program to increase the number of women serving on civic boards and commissions has seen exponential growth. Launched in 2014, our Appointments Project has received more than 1,000 applications and placed more than 80 women on publicly-appointed boards and commissions.

Leaders on both sides of the aisle are recognizing that having more women at the decision-making table not only helps combat sexual harassment but also improves policy outcomes and improves governance.

Make no mistake, sexual harassment is a systemic problem — and systemic problems rarely get solved overnight. That is why a sustained commitment is essential. Quick fixes won’t work. Thoughtful, forward-looking solutions will.

For many of us, this is also deeply personal. As someone who has dedicated my career to advancing equity and opportunity for women, I know how important it is that we get this right for the next generation of women and beyond.

All our efforts to advance equity — from equal pay to paid leave — will falter if women aren’t being treated with basic dignity and respect in the workplace.

So for Lauren and all the others who have shared your stories: thank you. You are making it possible for this work to happen. And with continued persistence I’m confident we can make meaningful progress toward ending sexual harassment and promoting equity and opportunity for all women.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using
research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information
about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women’s Foundation to Work With Attorney General to Combat Sexual Harassment

JEFFERSON CITY – Women’s Foundation announced today that it will partner with Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley on a comprehensive review of existing discrimination and harassment policies in the Capitol and across state government.

The Attorney General’s Office and the Women’s Foundation jointly issued a set of general principles that will help guide this statewide review. These guideposts draw on the Women’s Foundation’s past experience advising government entities on discrimination and sexual harassment best practices.

“Every instance of sexual harassment is a barrier to women’s political and professional advancement,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “As an organization that is dedicated to increasing the number of women in leadership positions, we’ve seen first-hand how sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation can deter women from civic engagement. We look forward to continuing to be a resource for the Attorney General’s Office, the Missouri General Assembly and all public officials working to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in state government.”

In December, the Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. Women’s Foundation also worked with Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer on his executive order to eliminate sexual harassment across state government.

In Missouri, Women’s Foundation partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and Partners In Prevention to create the Intern Resource Network to help Missouri’s interns and employers understand how to best prevent and report sexual harassment.

The guideposts announced today with Attorney General Hawley are:

1.    Policies should clearly define harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and should provide concrete examples of prohibited conduct.

2.    Policies should establish clear and expeditious procedures for reporting, investigating, and acting on allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

3.    Policies should provide victims with channels for submitting anonymous complaints to alleviate possible concerns regarding retaliation.

4.    Policies should provide for specific, predictable, and prompt consequences for employees found to have engaged in harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

5.    Policies should provide strong checks to prevent retaliation against those who report possible harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

6.    Policies should provide regular review and updating of employment policies.

7.    Agencies that employ interns should have policies that specifically address issues relating to employee conduct toward interns.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Kansas Legislature Passes Updated Sexual Harassment Policy

TOPEKA, Kan. - Today the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council passed an updated sexual harassment policy that incorporates recommendations proposed by the Women’s Foundation, including providing for anonymous reporting by victims and independent investigations of sexual harassment allegations. 

Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO, issued the following statement: 

“While there is still more work to be done, this updated sexual harassment policy is a good first step and we thank Senator Wagle and her colleagues for their work on this important issue. Strong leaders deliver results, and we look forward to continuing to work with legislative leaders to build on this progress and ensure the State Capitol provides the safe and professional workplace Kansans expect and deserve.”

In December, Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. 

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using
research, philanthropy, and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information
about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women’s Foundation Recognized for Work in Expanding Paid Leave

Kansas City, Mo. - Today the Women’s Foundation was recognized by Mayor Sly James and the City of Kansas City, Missouri City Council with a resolution honoring their efforts to enact paid family and medical leave.  

Mayor James also revealed plans to add an additional week to the City’s paid parental leave policy. City employees will now have access to seven weeks of paid leave. 

“It is an honor to be recognized for our work in furthering paid family leave,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. “Taking time off to bond a child shouldn’t mean going without a paycheck and we know from our research that when organizations adopt more family-friendly policies like paid leave, employee retention and long-term productivity improve. We commend Mayor James for his continued commitment to making Kansas City a great place to live, work and raise a family.” 

More information about Women’s Foundation’s paid leave research and policy solutions is available at: http://www.womens-foundation.org/paid-leave/ 

City of Kansas City, Missouri Mayor, Sly James, Women's Foundation President & CEO, Wendy Doyle and Vice President of Research & Policy And General Counsel,  Kendall Seal

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using
Research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information
about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women's Foundation Lauds Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer's Executive Order on Eliminating Sexual Harassment in State Government

TOPEKA, KS - Today the Women's Foundation commended Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer for issuing an executive order to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in state government.

Gov. Colyer, who took office Wednesday, Jan. 31, consulted with the Women's Foundation's and utilized their recommendations in his executive order. 

"We are pleased Governor Colyer is taking action during the very first week of his administration to combat sexual harassment and ensure a safe and professional workplace culture across state government," said Women's Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. "His decisive leadership sends a clear message that sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation will no longer be tolerated under the Capitol dome or anywhere in state government. Governor Colyer has taken a significant step to stop misconduct and promote equity and opportunity."  

In December 2017, the Women's Foundation issued recommendations at the request of Senate President Susan Wagle (R-Wichita). They were developed with input from legal experts, advocates, and community stakeholders following media reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by Kansas state legislators. 

The Women's Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.