Women’s History Month is a time to honor the achievements of women who have transformed our communities and our nation. It is also an opportunity to examine how the policies we create influence women’s opportunities, health, economic security, and leadership.
In response to an invitation from Douglass Residential College and the Institute for Women’s Leadership to host programs focused on women’s issues at Rutgers University during Women’s History Month, the New Jersey State Policy Lab convened a panel of recent graduates who served as Policy Lab interns, teaching assistants, and/or research assistants, including Bernice Amankwah, Molly Basdeo Mountjoy, Taylor Hughes, Josephine Michener, and Gretel Rodriguez Ramos. These alumnae shared challenges they have confronted in their professional journey, how their work impacts public policy on behalf of women, and advice for current students.
Women make up 48% of the labor force in New Jersey, yet those working full-time earn only about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. Over the course of a career, that difference translates into hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost earnings.
Importantly, policies affecting caregiving and family life play an enormous role in women’s economic participation. In New Jersey, the average cost of infant childcare is $20,000 per year, making it one of the most expensive states in the country for childcare. This impacts whether parents – often mothers – remain in the workforce.
Health policy is another critical dimension. The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries, with about 19 to 22 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. Black women face maternal mortality rates more than three times higher than those of white women, pointing to profound disparities in access to care and health outcomes.
Debates about reproductive health and access to care have been shaped by landmark Supreme Court decisions such as Roe v. Wade and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. These policies influence not only health outcomes but also women’s educational attainment, economic mobility, and long-term financial security.
Education policy and leadership opportunities:
Policymaking is shaped by who is in the room. Women earn most bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional degrees, yet they remain underrepresented in corporate boardrooms and elected offices. In fact, only about 10% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women CEOs, and they make up just one-quarter of the U.S. Senate.
Representation matters. When policymaking bodies and leadership teams include people with diverse lived experiences, the policies that emerge are more likely to reflect the needs and realities of the communities they serve.
That is why gathering diverse perspectives matters. The New Jersey State Policy Lab amplifies the voices of women to improve outcomes for everyone who lives in the Garden State. Thanks to this panel of women who engaged with current students, offering insights into their professional journeys. To learn about more upcoming seminars, panels, and other events from the New Jersey State Policy Lab, visit our Event page here.