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This summer, YWCA USA conducted a national survey of women voters to learn about one critical topic: Why Women Vote. This aptly named YWomenVote survey confirmed that women across the country are motivated to make their voices heard this election. Respondents identified that women’s economic security and empowerment, the impact of domestic violence and gender inequities, and protections for bodily and financial autonomy, were among the issues that mattered the most to them.
Survey Findings:
This year’s survey’s objectives included assessing enthusiasm for voting, gauging which issues are of most interest to registered women voters, and identifying key demographic groups who may be more supportive of specific policies. YWCA Greater Atlanta is excited to share these findings with our community at large and help provide policy makers and elected officials with a blueprint for ensuring women, families, and communities can live in safety and thrive.
Women’s Economic Security and Empowerment:
68% of survey respondents identified “the economy and cost of living” as one of their top three most important issues. While all economic policies are highly important to women overall, highest importance was granted to issues related to safe workplaces (72% of respondents), equal pay (69% of respondents), access to paid leave (63% of respondents), and increasing access to affordable housing (67% of respondents). The Center for American Progress explains that fair wages are key to women’s economic security, and when women are paid less than men for the same work, they have less money for necessities like rent, groceries, health care, transportation, and childcare. While the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) provides workplace security through unpaid leave, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, only 19% American workers have access to paid leave. Paid leave policies for public and private sector workers would ensure that workers have a right to care for their families and take care of familial needs without fear of losing wages.
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing is considered “affordable” when a family spends less than 30% of its income on rent, a mortgage, or other housing costs. Policies that would expand the low-income housing tax credit would increase access to equitable affordable housing and help families find financial stability.
Domestic Violence and Gender Inequities:
According to survey results domestic violence issues are consistently among the top concerns for women overall, with respondents ranking it the third most important issue impacting women collectively. Policies that ensure workplaces are free from sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination, such as requiring workplace anti-harassment training tested highly amongst 93% of respondents.
Strengthening protections against domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, online harassment, and other forms of gender-based violence tested high amongst 92% of survey respondents. It is critical that we support legislation and policies that protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and work to eradicate violence.
Protections for Bodily and Financial Autonomy:
YWCA Greater Atlanta understands reproductive justice by SisterSong’s definition as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities.” Based on the survey, women voters throughout the country also prioritize these rights. Survey respondents identified abortion care access as the most important issue to women in the United States today. 63% of respondents also rated access to contraception as very important. According to the survey results reproductive care is health care, and women voters continue to identify that access to care, and personal bodily autonomy are important enough to motivate them at the polls.
Respondents identified supporting living wages and skill-based training for childcare professionals, expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare, and increasing federal funding for childcare as particularly important. Without proper investment from elected officials, childcare providers struggle to attract and retain the diverse, well-qualified, and stable workforce that is needed to support children and their families. Increased funding for this sector is critical to keep childcare doors open so women can be financially secure and successful.
Conclusion:
YWCA Greater Atlanta knows that women, as movement makers, have the power to shape the landscape when it comes to the issues that matter most in their lives. Through programs like our Digital Skills Academy, we empower women with the technical skills necessary to advance in today’s economy. Our EncorePlus Program focuses on health and wellness, ensuring women can take charge of their health without compromising their economic stability. The Early Learning Academy provides access to affordable childcare, crucial for working mothers. Additionally, our Georgia Women’s Policy Institute engages women in policy advocacy, equipping them with tools to drive legislative change. The findings show that women, across generations, race, ethnicity, and other demographics, are united around the issues that matter most to them—economic security and empowerment, domestic violence and gender inequities, and protections for personal autonomy. We hope this survey summary has provided a snapshot of the issues that are motivating women to cast their votes this November! For further reading, if you would like to review an executive summary of the YWomenVote survey, you can do so here.
At YWCA Greater Atlanta, we prioritize addressing the issues elevated by women voters by providing direct services and programming and through education and advocacy.
Later this month, we will be elevating the voices of women at our annual Conversations forum highlighting the interconnectedness between race, class, and gender This year’s Conversations forum will be held September 26th, with the theme Empowering Voices at the Intersection of Race, Class, and Gender. As part of the program, we will host a panel discussion around issues that impact voters in this critical 2024 election cycle, including workforce development and access to affordable housing and healthcare. Attendees will leave Conversations ready to make an impact! Purchase your tickets today!
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