Institute for Women's Policy Research

Affordable childcare is essential for student parents' success, and funding for the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program, which helps colleges offer on campus child care to their students, is crucial. Black single mother students interviewed by IWPR reported a resounding need for on-campus child care. We should be supporting their unique needs for long-term success, which is why IWPR joined more than 400 partners calling on Congress to increase funding for CCAMPIS! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eAdKCA8m #StudentParents #CCAMPIS #affordablechildcare #carecantwait

As generative AI transforms the workforce, women risk being left behind—unless we act now. In our latest blog, IWPR explores how investing in workforce training and reskilling programs is key to ensuring women can thrive in the AI-driven economy. From tech bootcamps to targeted federal policies, we break down the steps needed to close the digital skills gap and secure economic equity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e92ARkEV #GenAI #WomenInAI

House Republicans just passed H.R. 1—one big bad bill that would make it harder for women and families to get the care they need. 🚫 Slashes Medicaid and ACA coverage, threatening health care for millions
 🚫 “Defunds” Planned Parenthood, cutting off access to essential care
 🚫 Puts SNAP benefits at risk for millions of families
 🚫 Guts student loan forgiveness and makes college even less affordable This bill is a direct attack on our health, our economic security, and our future.

Let’s be clear: Cuts and changes to Medicaid are a direct hit on women’s health and economic security. Medicaid covers 44 percent of women with disabilities and more than 40 percent of births in the United States. From maternal health to child care to reproductive services—attacks on Medicaid are attacks on women. Read more in our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/ex8MwTGt #Medicaid #WomensEquity #MaternalHealth #ReproductiveHealth

April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI)—the main way we track prices—is out, and care costs continue to rise faster than everything else. While overall price inflation came in at 2.3% since last April, daycare and preschool prices rose more than twice as much at 5.4%, and elder care rose 4.6%. That’s #careflation in action. Families are feeling the strain as the costs of essential care continues to climb—and the inflationary impact of tariffs hasn’t even fully hit yet. Source: CPI data is from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. #CareEconomy #CareCantWait #childcare #ElderCare

Sure, get mom the slippers, the brunch, the breakfast in bed—she deserves every bit of pampering. 💐💕 But if you really want to show love this Mother’s Day? Fight for what moms actually need: 💵 Equal pay 🍼 Affordable child care 🤰 Paid family leave 🛠️ Real support for all the work they do Because flowers are nice. But fairness? That’s a real gift. #WhatMomsWant #MothersDay #MomsEqualPay #CareCantWait #IWPR #womenspolicy #CareEconomy #PaidLeave #paidleaveforall 

Black midwives and doulas have long provided culturally rooted, life-affirming care—but they’re under-supported and underrepresented. Our latest Birthing While Black brief, "Birth Work Under Pressure: Supporting Black Midwives and Doulas Amid a Changing Landscape,” explores how we can better support Black birth workers amid a changing maternal health system. Read now: https://lnkd.in/eCzRj5ZM #BirthingWhileBlack #BlackMaternalHealth #BirthJustice #Midwifery #DoulaSupport #ReproductiveJustice #BlackDoulas #Doula #Midwives

Moms aren't paid less because they work less — they're paid less because of discrimination, lack of support, and unfair biases. The "motherhood penalty" means moms earn less than dads and workers without children, simply for being mothers. https://lnkd.in/eUhtDZbN #MomsEqualPayDay

May Day is a reminder: unions are essential for gender equity.   Union women earn more, experience smaller pay gaps, and have greater access to paid leave and child care. In trades and other male-dominated industries, union support helps women gain skills, stay safe, and build careers.   And women are leading the way: the presidents of the AFL-CIO, SEIU, AFT, and NEA are women.   At IWPR, the facts are clear: unions are a force for equity.   #MayDay #UnionStrong #PayEquity #LaborRights #WomenInUnions

As the House Education and Workforce Committee discusses the future of student loans today, it's crucial to recognize the role college education plays in driving economic mobility—but the rising cost makes it harder for many Americans to access these opportunities without significant debt. Higher education should open doors, not close them. Yet in 2024, the average federal student loan debt reached $38,375. IWPR’s research shows that student parents—especially Black student mothers—face even greater challenges with student loan debt. They are more likely to borrow, struggle with repayment, and face long-term financial setbacks like default or delaying home purchases. As outlined in our brief, Federal Policy Solutions to Advance Gender Equity: College Affordability, Congress should be increasing direct financial assistance and simplifying aid—not restricting access and complicating the process. #HigherEd #EducationEquity