When women thrive, their families and communities prosper. However, despite decades of progress in job opportunities, earnings, and political leadership, women in California still face persistent barriers to accessing economic security, physical and mental health care, and representation in elected positions.
These barriers significantly impact their well-being and the lives of their families and communities. Economic, health, safety, and leadership disparities are particularly acute for women of color, who face the compounding effects of racism and sexism.
California must center women — especially women of color — in efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive state. Policymakers, advocates, service providers, community members, and philanthropic organizations must view women’s well-being as interconnected components related to health, personal safety, employment and earnings, economic security, and political empowerment.
We all share the responsibility to improve these interconnected conditions to ensure a just and equitable California for all women.
Introducing the California Women’s Well-Being Index
The California Women’s Well-Being Index, now in its third iteration, is a comprehensive, composite measure designed to provide an in-depth look at women’s well-being across the state. The Index comprises five critical dimensions:
- Health
- Personal Safety
- Employment & Earnings
- Economic Security
- Political Empowerment
Each dimension includes six standardized indicators, combined to create dimension scores on a scale from zero to 100 for each of California’s 58 counties. These dimension scores are then aggregated to produce an overall Women’s Well-Being Index score for each county.
This Index is vital for identifying where women in California are thriving and where they need more support. By highlighting these disparities, the Index aims to inform policies and initiatives that will advance gender equity and improve the quality of life for women across the state.
The California Women’s Well-Being Index is more than just a set of numbers — it is a call to action. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by women, particularly women of color, we can work towards a future where all women have the opportunity to thrive.
