There’s strength in small numbers this Thanksgiving.
It’s the little things, small actions, and tiny decisions that all add up to saving lives in a big way. This year, we’re getting smart by getting creative. We’re staying in and gathering less. We’re wearing masks and standing apart.
Stay in, gather less this holiday season, and keep each other safe. Happy Thanksgiving.
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Kamala Harris was elected the first female Vice President of the United States on Nov. 3, as 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment that gave women in this country the right to vote.
Her election on a major party ticket celebrates several other firsts, too: Harris is the first Black person, the first Indian American and Asian American, and the first graduate of a historically Black college to become Vice President.
Women made their mark on Election Day, as they were elected to a record number of seats in Congress and joined a record number of voters across the nation who went to the polls.
When the new Congress convenes in January, at least 138 women will be serving, 11 more than the previous record of 127 set in 2019. The new Congress will include 114 women in the House and 24 women in the Senate, reports the Center for Women and American Politics at Rutgers University.
These gains in women representation at the federal level are heartening. Yet, greater progress is needed for qualified women running and being elected to office so that our government truly represents the nation’s female population makeup of 50%.
Read about other historic gender and racial barriers broken in the Nov. 3 election here.
A report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research outlines a bold plan to ensure women, disproportionately hit hardest by job loss due to the coronavirus pandemic, can share equitably in an economic recovery.
Build(ing) the Future: Bold Policies for a Gender-Equity Recovery “examines the impact of the economic crisis and recession on working women, their families, and communities.” As the pandemic took hold in the spring and continues to economically harm women and families, a “shecession” has occurred. Black and Latina women are feeling even greater negative effects. Consider:
- 5 million women lost their jobs from February to May, compared to 9 million men.
- Another 2.65 million women have left the workforce since February, unable to find work or forced to assume more caretaking roles at home as stay-at-home orders meant closed schools and day care centers.
- 865,000 women dropped out of the labor market between August and September — four times the number of men.
- The unemployment rate in April was 16.4% for Black women, 20.2% for Latinas and 15% for White women.
Women comprise about one-half of the U.S. workforce yet account for two-thirds of job losses in sectors hurt most since the pandemic began. As a result, their economic stability suffers due to lost earnings — when they already experience a gender wage gap.
The Institute for Women’s Policy Research report shares a framework to equity in an economic recovery for women and families, including solutions to closing the wage gap, making child care more accessible and affordable, and implementing universal paid leave.
Read this insightful report here link.
To work toward an equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Women’s Law Center is sharing a valuable resource on the importance of raising the minimum wage in tandem with investing in our child care system.
The NWLC outlines four critical principles for advocates and policymakers to emphasize for rebuilding an inclusive economy:
- Raise the minimum wage for everyone, without exclusions.
- Invest public dollars needed to accommodate wage increases for child care workers, without shifting the cost burden to parents or asking providers to make up the difference.
- Ensure that raising the minimum wage is a complement to, not a substitute for, other strategies that address under-compensation for child care workers.
- Recognize the ultimate goal is fair compensation and high-quality, affordable child care for all.
An investment in the country’s workforce is long overdue, including more support for systematically underpaid essential child care workers and for affordable, accessible, quality child care. Combined with a higher minimum wage, women and families can then participate in, and benefit from, an equitable economy.
Read NWLC’s resource, The Care Minimum: The Case for Raising the Minimum Wage and Investing in Child Care Together, here.
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Tracy L. Smith made history in October by becoming the highest ranked woman ever in the Columbus Division of Fire. The 22-year division veteran was promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief and will oversee all three shifts in the Emergency Services Bureau.
Smith said of her historic promotion, “It’s not significant that it’s me. It’s significant that over the years, the city has changed in the opportunities it gives all people to succeed. I hope this sends a message to young women everywhere that if they work hard and stay focused, they can do anything.”
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Applications to participate in the 2021 New American Leadership Academy cohort are being accepted through Dec. 4 at noon. The program is offered by the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods.
The Academy provides New American professionals the opportunity to gain leadership skills that help them contribute to their respective communities and our Columbus community. Selected applicants will receive mentorship and professional development on topics such as government, civic engagement, and implicit bias. Academy sessions run from March 3, 2021 to Nov. 3, 2021.
Go here for more information and to apply.
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther will moderate the Women’s Virtual Building and Construction Trades Event on Dec. 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. Participants can hear from women who have careers in the trades and from Central Ohio Women in the Trades, a local Columbus Women’s Commission partner.
Skilled construction trades professionals will virtually participate to answer your questions. Learn how to pursue a rewarding construction career that offers equity in the workplace, a living wage, and benefits like paid time off.
Click here to register.
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The Women’s Commission hosted a financial empowerment webinar on Nov. 17, Achieving Financial Security for Women and Families in Columbus.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slowdown, there is more momentum than ever to increase the resiliency of Columbus families, particularly the most vulnerable. National and local leaders shared data insight into the current environment. Dialogue explored opportunities our community can use to improve the financial security of women and all Columbus residents.
Click here for the webinar recording.
Download and Read the Executive Summary of the Financial Empowerment Roadmap
Download and Read the full Financial Empowerment Roadmap
Click here to learn more about the City’s financial empowerment efforts and to sign up for updates related to this work.
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We welcome these employers who have recently signed the Columbus Commitment to work toward closing the gender and race-based wage gap:
Anser Advisory
Diamond Hill Capital Management
Hexion Inc.
Wealthstone Advisors
On Nov. 16 the Women’s Commission hosted a virtual event for all interested Columbus Commitment Adopters to help employers address employee mental health in these unprecedented times.
Staying Calm and Well Through the COVID-19 Storm: Evidence-Based Tactics to Build Resiliency and Well-Being featured Dr. Bern Melynk, Chief Wellness Officer for The Ohio State University.
Employers have spent much of 2020 prioritizing protocols to protect employees and customers from COVID-19. Yet, how are we navigating the collective trauma we are all living through and experiencing individually? Research shows COVID-19 — combined with the political and racial tensions — is leaving people more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
Employers have an opportunity to support their employees’ mental well-being as well as physical health. Our conversation focused on personal well-being and how to prioritize the mental well-being of our teams during this challenging time. We thank Dr. Melnyk for sharing her passion, expertise, and calls to action with our Adopter community.
If your company hasn’t signed the Columbus Commitment pledge, click here for more information or email WomensCommission@Columbus.gov.
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Last week Columbus City Councilmember Shayla Favor and Mayor Andrew J. Ginther hosted a virtual dedication of the first city mural for Deliver Black Dreams Columbus, an aspirational racial equity campaign led by Marshall Shorts and Maroon Arts Group, in partnership with the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the City of Columbus.
“I am proud to support the work of Delivering Black Dreams, and cannot think of a time better than the present to uplift and empower our community,” said Councilmember Favor, who also serves on the Columbus Women’s Commission. “This project is about more than just public art. It is about recommitting ourselves to achieving true racial equity so that future generations can all have the same opportunities to fulfill their biggest and wildest dreams.”
Deliver Black Dreams utilizes public art as a launch point for a sustained, future-oriented approach to achieving racial equity in Columbus, one that helps our community reimagine and design a city where everyone can live abundantly. Deliver Black Dreams is a campaign OF, BY and FOR Black people. The collaborative effort begins with #ArtUnitesCbus temporary mural exhibitions, permanent public murals, awards to Black filmmakers and photographers, artist mentorship — with more programs to come.
“Deliver Black Dreams is about creating a city for ALL of US, where ALL can live abundantly. Deliver Black Dreams is more than a campaign. It is a commitment,” said Shorts. “It is about connecting cultural products such as public art to tangible systemic change that reimagines a world where all of us can thrive. Deliver Black Dreams is centered in a Black voice and affirms that Black Lives Matter AND if they do then we must make a commitment to Deliver Black Dreams.”
The City of Columbus has provided initial funding of $75,000 to this campaign. The Columbus Department of Public Service has provided the right-of-way space for the public art, including for this first mural at East Fifth Avenue and Penny Street. Lisa McLymont is the lead artist of this first mural with several artists participating in the design.
Mayor Ginther said at the dedication, “If we are truly committed to building a city that is free of racism and oppression, we need to seek out, recognize and tear down the tacit walls of systemic racism in all facets of our government, businesses and institutions. We have the chance, and calling, to build our great city on an equity foundation, based on justice and equality.”
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