The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut’s Women
A Statewide Data Collection Initiative
About the Report
The PCSW collected the original data contained in this report directly from Connecticut’s women. Two research techniques were used: 1) a written survey, and 2) focus groups and direct verbal testimony (collectively, the “Data”). The Data was collected between October 5, 2020, and February 5, 2021. The Report represents our research and recommendations based thereon. It will be delivered to policymakers, government officials, non-profit service providers, corporations, employers, funders of women’s organizations, and citizens. With this original research, our objective is to provide facts that can lead to effective solutions for Connecticut’s women.
The Survey
The PCSW created a 30-question multiple-choice survey (the “Survey”) in conjunction with Dr. Susan D. Toliver, Professor Emerita of Sociology and Women's Studies at Iona College and PCSW Education Fund board member. The Survey questions addressed our research inquiry, to assess the economic impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut's women. Sections focused on assessing demographic data as well as economic impact in the following five categories: Work and Pay, Housing and Food Security, Healthcare, Personal Safety, and Education.
The Forums
The PCSW conducted ten virtual forums, six of which were open to the public and four of which were conducted with private specialized groups. The goal of the forums was for participants to verbally share the economic impact of COVID-19 on their lives.
Research Findings At A Glance
Connecticut’s Women Reported the following regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their economic security:
26.5%
were furloughed or lost their jobs
30.0%
experienced a decrease in Total Monthly Income
66.1%
of those with dependent children experienced an impairment of their ability to work due to increased home demands
49.8%
reported impairment to mental heath
14.1%
were in a domestic violence situation, which for 49.8% worsened or developed during COVID-19
68.5%
reported their education or that of someone in their household was negatively impacted
PCSW Report Launch Event
““At every level, women are being affected by this whether they are service workers, childcare workers, teachers, physicians, CEOs or VPs. Women are bearing the brunt of this and if you break it down by race, the discrepancies widen even further in terms of backsliding the advancement of women.””
The Data
1,020
Survey Respondents
100+
Forums Participants
174
Zip Codes Across Connecticut Represented
Senator Richard Blumenthal’s Message of Support for PCSW’s Research Initiative
Report Presentations
May 13 7:00 PM Wilton League of Women Voters with Working Moms of Wilton sponsor meeting on the Impact of COVID-19 on Women
May 25 3:00 PM “COVID-19 and Childcare: Time for Structural Change in CT" A Conversation With Commissioners Bye and Dorantes
May 26 12:30 PM "Motherhood Misadventures and Adventures in the Pandemic" The Impact of COVID-19 on CT's Mothers. A Conversation with Connecticut’s Women Hall of Fame
June 14 1:00 PM CWCSEO Town Hall on “The Economic Impact of COVID-19 on Connecticut’s Women”
June 15 1:00 PM A Conversation with Fran Pastore and The Women’s Business Development Council
Recommendations
Highlights
The Data revealed many areas where COVID-19 had adversely impacted the economic security of Connecticut’s women, generating a comprehensive set of recommendations across the categories of work and pay, housing and food security, healthcare and health, personal safety and education. Among the most striking results the job losses and severe impact of lack of childcare, homeschooling of children and increased home demands on women’s ability to continue working and advance in their careers. Among other important topics, the Report Recommendations include: training and on-ramping for women to restore lost jobs and mitigate career backslide, efforts to eliminate the gender wage gap, and support of working women through the state’s Early Childhood Education structure. Please see below for the Report’s full recommendations.
Next Steps
Download The Report
Effective solutions to Connecticut women’s economic recovery must begin with the Data. Download the report to learn more.
Watch our Launch Event
Learn about the Report, the Data behind it and Recommendations.
Click below to watch recording
Contact Your Legislator
Click the link below to advocate for Connecticut’s women by sharing the Report directly with your local legislator.
Share Your COVID-19 Impact Story
Use the following hashtag #PCSWShareMyStory and share on social media how COVID-19 has impacted you.