Women's Foundation Commends Missouri Senators for Working to Reform Sexual Harassment Procedures

WASHINGTON, DC – The Women's Foundation today issued the following statement regarding the bipartisan agreement to reform the handling of sexual harassment complaints by Congress. The legislation is sponsored by Sens. Roy Blunt and Amy Klobuchar and is co-sponsored by Sen. Claire McCaskill. 

"This is a very positive development, and we thank Senator Blunt and Senator McCaskill for working to reform Congress's decades-old sexual harassment procedures," said Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO. "The era of impunity is over, and the national reckoning around sexual harassment in the workplace must address the culture in the halls of Congress as well. We look forward to continuing to work with policymakers from both parties to combat sexual harassment and misconduct and ensure government – at all levels – is a safe, healthy and professional place to work." 

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   
 

Women’s Foundation and Mayor James Honored for Work to Increase Diversity on KC Boards and Commissions

Excellence in Collaboration Award Given at Non-Profit Connect Annual Philanthropy Awards Luncheon

Kansas City, Mo - Women’s Foundation and the Office of Mayor Sly James were recognized today for their collaborative work to increase diversity on local boards and commissions through the Appointments Project™.  The prestigious Excellence in Collaboration Award is given out annually at the Non-Profit Connect Philanthropy Awards Luncheon. Under Mayor James’ leadership, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, was the first city to adopt the Appointments Project™, a Women’s Foundation initiative that aims to increase the number of women serving on public boards and commissions in Kansas and Missouri.  

“Our research showed us 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. “We created the Appointments Project™ to address the gender disparities in local leadership and with the help of supporters like Mayor James we are able to make real change in our community. The Women’s Foundation is incredibly honored to receive this award alongside Mayor James, who has been a true champion for women and families across the region.”

Started in 2014 the Appointments Project™ has successfully placed 87 women on boards and commissions. The program currently operates in 16 municipalities and five counties in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas City alone, the number of women has increased to 42% in 2017 from 33 percent in 2014. Mayor James has continued to be a strong supporter of the Appointments Project™ for almost four years. 

“Since taking office, I’ve found myself in meeting after meeting, surrounded only by men,” Mayor James said. “If we want government to work for everyone, especially women, we have to ensure that they have a seat at the table. The Appointments Project filled a critical need in creating a pathway to leadership for women in the Kansas City region.”
 
To learn more about the Women’s Foundation and the Appointments Project™ visit www.womens-foundation.org. 

Women’s Foundation Commends Kansas Legislature’s Strides To Combat Sexual Harassment

Budget signed today by the Governor includes language addressing sexual harassment claims against state employees and officials

Topeka, KS – The Women’s Foundation today commended the Kansas Legislature and Governor Jeff Colyer for including a proviso in the state budget, which prohibits the use of state funds to settle sexual harassment cases or request non-disclosure agreements. The ban will apply to sexual harassment cases brought against state employees and elected officials.

“Kansas legislators are continuing to make progress towards implementing our recommendations and ending sexual harassment in the Capitol,” said Wendy Doyle, President and CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Transparency and accountability are critical to addressing this pervasive issue, and we thank Governor Colyer, Rep. Cindy Holscher, President Susan Wagle and Speaker Ron Ryckman for their work to protect taxpayers and combat sexual harassment. We said from the beginning that ending sexual harassment was going to require a long-term commitment, and these provisions demonstrate that Kansas leaders are serious about making positive change.”

This language builds on an updated sexual harassment policy adopted by the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council earlier this year. 

The language in the budget proviso originally appeared in HB 2695, which was sponsored by Rep. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. Co-sponsors included: Representatives Brim, Carlin, Clayton, Crum, Dietrich, Finney, Horn, Judd-Jenkins, Koesten, Kuether, Murnan, Parker, Pittman, Ward, Whipple and Winn.

Last year the Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature, including prohibiting secret settlements, banning arbitration and limiting mediation in sexual harassment cases Women’s Foundation also worked with Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer on his executive order to eliminate sexual harassment across state government and by state contractors.

Women’s Foundation Helps Secure Passage of Historic Occupational Licensing Reforms

HB 1500 will allow hair braiders to practice without a cosmetology license, makes Missouri 15th State with cost benefit analysis law

Jefferson City, Mo. – The Women’s Foundation today applauded the Missouri General Assembly for passing HB 1500, which will reduce occupational licensing regulations and allow hair braiders to practice without a cosmetology license. As an alternative, hair braiders must register with the State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. They must also complete a self-test on infection control techniques and diseases of the scalp based upon a brochure to be prepared by the board.

“This legislation is a great step forward that will increase economic opportunity and allow more women entrepreneurs to realize their full economic potential,” said Wendy Doyle Women’s Foundation President and CEO. “Hair braiding is a prime example of how occupational licensing requirements can be a barrier for women seeking to start their own businesses or pursue more flexible careers. Our research has shown that easing these unnecessary and onerous regulations will benefit women and strengthen the economy, and we thank state Rep. Shamed Dogan, Sen. Bill Eigel and others for championing this much-needed reform.”

HB 1500 also includes other reforms recommended by the Women’s Foundation, including sunrise provisions to ensure the state does not impose unreasonable occupational licensing burdens unless there is a compelling interest to protect the public. If such a reason exists, the state will select the least restrictive regulation. This provision is informed by Women’s Foundation research that outlines solutions to lower occupational licensing barriers.

The research concluded that unnecessary regulations restrict entry into certain professions and make it harder for women to start their own businesses. In the state of Missouri, hair braiders must complete over 1,000 hours of training for a cosmetology license, even though the training does not include hair braiding skills. In January, Kendall Seal, VP Vice President of Research & Policy and General Counsel of the Women’s Foundation testified in support of HB 1500.

HB 1500 will give  hair braiders the opportunity to operate their businesses while protecting consumers.

To learn more about the Women’s Foundation occupational licensing research click here.

Award-Winning Journalist Ann Curry to Speak at Women’s Foundation Annual Event

“Truth Tellers: Stories that Change the World” will center on the power of women’s voices and facts to drive positive change
 

Kansas City, Mo. – The Women’s Foundation announced today that veteran journalist Ann Curry will be the keynote speaker at its We Work for Change Annual Event in October.  

This year’s event theme, “Truth Tellers: Stories that Change the World,” will feature timely discussions on pressing issues, such as the need for more women in leadership roles and the power of personal stories and factual information to make change. 

The Annual Event is set for 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 2 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Helzberg Hall. It is a fundraiser for the Women’s Foundation, which promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages in Missouri and Kansas.

Curry, an award-winning journalist known for bringing stories to life, will share her insights on gender inequality, the power of human connection and working to advance human and women’s rights.

“The past year has been a reminder of the power of truth-telling to drive positive change and the importance of having more women in leadership roles,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “As an organization that uses research and evidence-based solutions to work for change, we are thrilled that Ann Curry will be joining us to share her insights on these important topics.” 

Curry is the current Executive Producer and reporter of "We'll Meet Again," a PBS series that features reunions of people whose lives crossed, and then separated, at pivotal moments and during world-changing events. A former NBC News Network anchor and international correspondent, Curry has covered the wars in Syria, Darfur, Congo, the Central African Republic, Serbia, Lebanon, Israel, Afghanistan and Iraq, and reported on nuclear tensions from North Korea and Iran.

Curry has won seven national news Emmys and numerous Edward R. Murrow awards, Gracie Allen Awards, and National Headliner Awards.  The NAACP honored her with an Excellence in Reporting award, and Women in Communications awarded her a Matrix. Curry also has received numerous humanitarian awards, from Refugees International, Americares, Save the Children, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which awarded her a Medal of Valor for her dedication to reporting about genocide. 

The Women’s Foundation also announces its 2018 event leadership: Honorary Chairs Mary and Tom Bloch; Event Chairwoman Madeleine McDonough, Shook, Hardy & Bacon; and Patron Committee Co-Chairs Elizabeth Glynn, Travois, Brian Stewart, ARC Physical Therapy, and Abby Wendel, UMB.
 

To learn more about the 2018 Annual Event visit our 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: Lauren Allen

“I think it’s critical that more women serve on public boards and commissions. I have a two-year old daughter and it’s important that she have women in her community to serve as role models.”  – Lauren Allen

Lauren was appointed to the Board of Trustees of City Trusts in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a graduate of Philander Smith College with a degree in English Literature and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law. She also holds a Masters of Law (LL.M) from American University Washington College of Law.

Lauren Allen

Her law career has led her to Washington D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis and now to Overland Park, Kansas where she works as a Litigation Associate for UnitedLex Corp.

Lauren has a heart for service, she is a Hope House volunteer with several area organizations and participates as a Big Sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City. She also provides feminine products to women in need, a necessity that is often overlooked.  Lauren is passionate about education, especially literacy, and enjoys working with young people. Lauren has a Youtube channel called “The Dope Librarian” where she records book reviews and covers topics that align with the book. 

Women’s Foundation Applauds Senate Rule Change To Allow Parents to Bring Children Onto Senate Floor

Kansas City, Mo – The Women’s Foundation today applauded the United States Senate for making the family-friendly decision to allow senators to bring children under the age of one onto the Senate floor. 

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth, who recently gave birth to a daughter, proposed the rule change and Senator Roy Blunt helped move it forward as Senate Rules Committee Chairman.  

“Work life balance is critical for new mothers, especially for someone who works in such a demanding field like Senator Duckworth. We commend Senator Duckworth for proposing this family-friendly resolution and thank Senator Blunt for moving this flexible workplace policy forward. Our research shows that many women and their families are held back by outdated workplace practices that don’t reflect the challenges of our lives today. We urge Congress to continue this progress by supporting even more expanded flexible workplace practices – especially paid family and medical leave.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO

Women’s Foundation is a strong supporter of flexible workplace practices, including paid family and medical leave. The U.S. is the only industrialized country in the world that lacks a nationwide paid family leave program. To learn more about the Women’s Foundation’s work to promote family-friendly policies such as paid leave visit www.womens-foundation.org.
 

Appointee Profile: Cynthia Hopp

“As an educator I am passionate about helping my students achieve their goals, and with the help of the Appointments Project™ I am able to make an even larger impact in the lives of people in my community.
”

— Cynthia Hopp

Cynthia was appointed to the Human Relations Commission in Topeka, Kansas. She a is a First Grade teacher at a dual language public school and has been teaching for eight years. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Educational Leadership at Kansas State University. 

Cynthia is a member of the Minority Leadership Academy and a Kagan Cooperative Learning instructional coach. After school hours, she volunteers her time to teach a Spanish language class to the parents of her students. Cynthia saw a need for the class and worked with her colleagues to make the class possible. 

With an evident passion for education and volunteering, Cynthia enjoys helping people achieve their goals. 

Cynthia is married to Kevin Hopp and is the mother of two children Mikaela and Mauricio. In her spare time, she enjoys learning how to play the cello, meditating, and doing yoga. 
 

Women’s Foundation Statement on the House Investigative Committee Report

Jefferson City – The Women’s Foundation today condemned the sexual violence and abuse described in sworn testimony to the Missouri House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight. Women’s Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle made this statement: 

“The abuse described in the Committee report is horrifying and inexcusable. Sexual violence is unacceptable and can never be tolerated. We also know that it’s often underreported because victims are afraid of being discredited or disbelieved. That’s why all of us have a responsibility to speak out and condemn sexual violence – wherever it exists and regardless of who perpetrates it.

This has nothing to do with politics; it’s about sending a message to all women that sexual abuse won’t be tolerated, that victims will be believed, and that the era of impunity is over. As an organization dedicated to promoting equity and opportunity for all women, we urge the Governor to step aside for the good of the state, the victim, and everyone affected.
”

— Women's Foundation President & CEO Wendy Doyle

Four Ways Employers Can Bridge the Pay Gap

Written By Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

It is a shocking reality that in 2018, more than a half century after the passage of the Equal Pay Act, women are still not paid equally for equal work. Equal Pay Day marks the day when women’s wages “catch up” to those of men, demonstrating how much longer – and harder – women have to work just to make the same amount as their male counterparts. 

This year, in the wake of the #MeToo movement that exposed pervasive sexual harassment in nearly every industry, Equal Pay Day is another reminder that more work must be done to combat discrimination and ensure equity and opportunity for all women. 

The pay disparity starts almost as soon as women enter the workforce and widens over time – robbing women of hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings, undermining their financial independence and weakening our economy. That means women in Missouri who work full-time, year-round, earn just 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. In Kansas, the number drops to 77 cents on the dollar. 

Equally troubling is the fact that last year, while the overall pay gap narrowed, women of color continued to face wide disparities, and Black women even saw their wages decline. Today,  Black women still make just 63 cents and Latinas are paid just 54 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.

As an organization that uses research to understand this challenge, we believe everyone has a role to play in being part of the solution. 

In 2016, the Women’s Foundation developed a set of pay equity best practices guidelines with three simple steps employers could take to identify and combat pay disparities. This year we’re adding one more, in light of the mounting evidence that sexual harassment has a negative impact on women’s career paths and earnings. 

Here are four steps employers can take right now to close the gender pay gap:

Self Audit Pay Disparities: First, we encourage employers to take an unflinching look at the status quo by collecting data and examining whether gender-based pay disparities exist. 

Evaluate Your Pay System: Employers should also examine specific job categories. For example, are “human resource managers” (who tend to be women) being paid less than “information technology managers” (who are predominantly men)? 

Promote Pay Transparency: In many companies, discussions about compensation in the workplace are stigmatized – or even banned outright. This needs to change. Making salary ranges and compensation packages more transparent can help combat the pay gap and empower employees to negotiate for higher pay.

Rid your workplace of sexual harassment. While not included in our initial set of pay equity best practices, a growing body of research indicates that victims of sexual harassment take a hit to their careers – and their earnings. Employers have a responsibility to create a safe and professional workplace where sexual harassment and discrimination are clearly defined and never tolerated. 

The reasons for the pay gap are complex, but these nuances cannot be an excuse for inaction. Women and their families simply cannot afford wait decades for the wage gap to close. 

Women make up 47 percent of the workforce, we outnumber men on college campuses, and recent estimates indicate that 42 percent of mothers are the sole or primary breadwinner for their families.  Equal pay for equal work shouldn’t be a lot to ask. 

The good news is that there’s reason to believe employers and policymakers are getting serious about tackling this challenge. 

Forward-looking companies like Starbucks are taking bold action to narrow and even eliminate the gender pay gap among their employees. 

The American Association of University Women is doing vital work equipping women with the tools they need to negotiate higher salaries. And states and cities across the country are prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s salary history in an effort to break the cycle in which pay inequities can follow women throughout their careers. 

These combined efforts have a real chance to move the needle and close the pay gap once and for all. 

Together, we can close the gender pay gap, boost family incomes, and empower financially-independent women to drive the next chapter of economic growth.