Posted by: Richie Bernardo

In 2018, women in some parts of America still get the short end of the stick — even as they outnumber men in most states. For instance, women represent nearly two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers in the U.S. Their political representation also suffers, as women make up 51% of the U.S. population but only 22% of the Senate and 19.3% of the House of Representatives. And the prevalence of sexual harassment has become a prominent issue in 2018’s political landscape, from #MeToo to #TimesUp.

In order to determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 23 key indicators of living standards for women. Our data set ranges from median earnings for female workers to women’s preventive health care to female homicide rate. Read on for our findings, expert insight from a panel of researchers and a full description of our methodology.

1. Main Findings
2. Blue vs. Red States
3. Ask the Experts
4. Methodology

Main Findings

Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/10728/women-geochart1.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2Fp57q5>  

Best States for Women

Overall Rank (1=Best)	State	Total Score	‘Women’s Economic & Social Well-Being’ Rank	‘Women’s Health & Safety’ Rank
1	Minnesota	78.22	1	3
2	Massachusetts	75.74	6	2
3	Vermont	72.05	3	7
4	North Dakota	72.02	4	8
5	Wisconsin	71.45	2	15
6	Maine	71.31	5	11
7	Hawaii	71.13	16	1
8	Connecticut	69.77	15	4
9	Iowa	69.11	10	9
10	New Hampshire	69.10	13	5
11	Illinois	69.07	7	20
12	Delaware	67.90	12	16
13	New York	67.79	14	10
14	Washington	67.27	9	22
15	District of Columbia	66.45	8	26
16	New Jersey	66.11	18	6
17	Nebraska	64.82	19	14
18	Oregon	64.05	11	28
19	California	63.07	23	12
20	Colorado	63.06	20	18
21	Rhode Island	61.87	22	17
22	Maryland	61.73	25	13
23	Indiana	61.06	17	30
24	South Dakota	60.38	26	19
25	Utah	58.28	32	21
26	Montana	58.00	21	33
27	Virginia	57.50	30	23
28	Kansas	56.21	33	25
29	Ohio	56.12	27	29
30	North Carolina	54.89	28	34
31	Florida	53.75	35	32
32	Michigan	52.94	31	37
33	Wyoming	52.49	42	24
34	Kentucky	52.39	24	41
35	Pennsylvania	51.57	40	31
36	Arizona	51.12	38	35
37	Missouri	50.85	36	38
38	Tennessee	49.26	29	45
39	Alaska	48.80	34	44
40	New Mexico	48.62	37	40
41	Idaho	47.92	48	27
42	Texas	47.40	45	36
43	Georgia	47.00	43	39
44	Nevada	44.22	39	50
45	West Virginia	44.08	41	49
46	South Carolina	42.08	46	46
47	Alabama	41.75	50	42
48	Oklahoma	41.06	49	43
49	Mississippi	40.71	47	48
50	Arkansas	39.77	44	51
51	Louisiana	36.27	51	47

 

Blue vs. Red States

 

Ask the Experts

When choosing a new place to live, women are faced with many factors to consider. For additional insight, we asked a panel of experts to weigh in with their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. How has the #metoo movement helped or hurt women in 2018?
2. What factors, financial or otherwise, should women consider when choosing a city to live in?
3. What should a state-level public-policy agenda for women include?
4. Are states converging or diverging in issues of importance to women, including equal pay, reproductive rights, etc.?
5. What strategies have proven effective in encouraging more women to run for elected office?

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• Mary Godwyn Professor of Sociology in the History and Society Division at Babson College
• Elizabeth S. Smith Professor and Chair of the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Furman University
• Amy Eisen Cislo Senior Lecturer in the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Faculty Fellow in the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis
• Darcie Rives-East Associate Professor and Chair of the English and Journalism Department at Augustana University
• Emilie M. Townes Dean of the Divinity School and E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Womanist Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University

Mary Godwyn Professor of Sociology in the History and Society Division at Babson College

How has the #metoo movement helped, or hurt, women in 2018?

In my estimation, the #metoo movement has helped women enormously to share their experiences and to build solidarity, but more than that, it is a movement that changes the narrative about what constitutes sexual harassment, sexual assault, and respectful behavior among men and women in a myriad of contexts. This is key, because it disrupts our assumption that our social narrative had objectively relied upon notions of justice and fair treatment applied equally to everyone. The #metoo movement demonstrates that what we called justice was in fact a reflection of power that has historically advantaged and protected men.

As women weigh in and begin to redefine what is acceptable, many people feel a sense of validation, but others, both men and women, feel uncomfortable, often citing lack of due process, the need to hear the man’s side, etc. The interesting thing is, that due process was, for years, used as a cudgel to silence women and give a free pass to men. Now that women are speaking out and being listened to as never before, there is, I think, a realization about how automatically and systematically women’s complaints were dismissed, or worse, how women were punished for complaining. That oppression of women created a climate where men could dominate the discourse, and a system where male abuse of women did not necessarily impact their overall success.

The #metoo movement has raised the abuse of women to the stature of discrediting those men who are accused of abuse. They are losing the benefit of the doubt. The discomfort arises as the social narrative adjusts to accommodate a wider swath of the population, namely, women, who are increasing in value, authority, and power.

What factors, financial or otherwise, should women consider when choosing a state to live in?

The gender wage gap is key -- some states are better than others -- as is health care and the social safety net -- again, some states, like Massachusetts, are generally better than others. The education level of women and the number of women in state legislature are also important considerations.

What strategies have proven effective in encouraging more women to run for elected office?

I think there was such an assumption under Obama, referred to by some as the Feminist-in-Chief, and then the nearly successful presidential run of Hillary Clinton, that women were inexorably on a trajectory to increased economic, political, and social power. Trump and his misogyny, as well as the anti-diversity, racist, and homophobic rhetoric hemorrhaging from the White House daily, are bleak reminders that women cannot rest on their laurels or assume that justice and equality comes to the passive.

The strong message that all women have to fight every day, in every way to ensure a more equal world for themselves and their children is, I think, making more women take the plunge. Of course, support by organizations like Emily’s List and the encouragement and practical training for political office is what makes it possible. Solidarity building through local organizations, all the way up to the global women’s march help women to identify themselves as an interest group, regardless and because of differences such as age, sexual orientation, class and race.

Elizabeth S. Smith Professor and Chair of the Department of Politics and International Affairs at Furman University

How has the #metoo movement helped, or hurt, women in 2018?

This movement has helped women. It has brought attention to persistent problems for women in the workplace and society. Sexual harassment and assault, as well as general sex discrimination have often been understood by many to have been problems “solved” by the passage of laws like Title VII, Title IX and the Equal Pay Act. Victims of such oppression or discrimination were left believing it was an individual problem, and no longer a systemic one. This movement, by exposing the severity and frequency of the problem, has illustrated that much work is left to be done and has energized not only a new group of powerful activists, but also leaders in the corporate and academic world who want to live up to their ideals.

What factors, financial or otherwise, should women consider when choosing a state to live in?

The wage gap, the education gap, the health gap, the political representation gap between men and women in a state. The smaller the gap, the better a state for all.

What should a state level public policy agenda for women include?

Good public policy should be good for all -- men, women and children. This would include fair and equitable wages, strong public education at all levels, including lifelong learning, health care quality and accessibility, a clean environment and a vibrant and diverse economy.

Are states converging or diverging in issues of importance to women including equal pay, reproductive rights, etc.?

States continue to vary in their level of attention to issues regarding equal pay, reproductive rights, domestic violence, etc. Typically, southern states do not do as well on most measures of women’s equity and well-being as other areas. The states where women fare less well also tend to have lower rates of representation of women in political offices -- this is somewhat of a chicken-and-egg problem though, since as states get more women in office, issues important to women are more likely to be addressed.

What strategies have proven effective in encouraging more women to run for elected office?

Asking them. Then, asking them again, and then, asking them again to consider running. Women are more likely than men (even similarly qualified men) to believe that they are not qualified to run for office. They need to be assured that they are indeed qualified. Campaign training is helpful for both male and female political novices. Party support is always important to any candidate, and strong role models are helpful, as well.

Amy Eisen Cislo Senior Lecturer in the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Faculty Fellow in the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis

How has the #metoo movement helped, or hurt, women in 2018?

In my opinion, it has helped, because it draws attention to how many women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. First, knowing that so many women have encountered sexual harassment or assault is affirming to women who experienced it and just kept quiet. Second, it helps raise awareness of the fact that people who experience the unwanted advances or touching did not ask for it. It is not their fault. Third, the movement brings attention to the fact that we live in a culture that allows people in positions of authority to overstep the boundaries without repercussions. My hope is that all this awareness will lead to cultural and institutional changes.

What factors, financial or otherwise, should women consider when choosing a state to live in?

If you are a lesbian or transwoman, you should choose a state that has a state-wide LGBT anti-discrimination policy. If you plan to have children, you might want to prioritize a state that has some form of paid family leave.

What should a state level public policy agenda for women include?

Paid family and medical leave, LGBT anti-discrimination policy, a commitment to not pass laws that restrict women’s access to birth control.

What strategies have proven effective in encouraging more women to run for elected office?

The biggest gain for women in the U.S. Congress, if I am not mistaken, was following the Anita Hill hearings on Capitol Hill. I think back then, women were angry that representatives of congress failed to take Anita Hill’s concerns about Clarence Thomas seriously. Once again, it may be that women are inspired to run because they feel like their voices are important. A quarter of a century has passed since Anita Hill asked congress to take sexual harassment seriously, and it may be that very same issue that inspires women to run now.

Darcie Rives-East Associate Professor and Chair of the English and Journalism Department at Augustana University

How has the #metoo movement helped, or hurt, women in 2018?

I argue the #metoo movement has helped women and our culture in general. The movement has made visible the extent to which women are subject to sexual harassment and assault, both verbal and physical. In this way, it has brought to light the range of harassment women experience; in other words, our culture often thinks of rape or physical assault when we speak about this issue, and this movement has made it clear that women experience many forms of sexual belittling and disempowerment daily. Further, #metoo has changed how we understand women who have been victims of harassment and assault.

The movement emphasizes that women who say they have experienced sexual harassment and assault should be believed, rather than dismissed as simply wanting attention. Instead, the movement asks that we turn our attention to men and their behavior, instead of that of the victims. Indeed, #metoo has made us think about and interrogate masculinity, and to ask why men can engage in predatory behavior without consequences. Additionally, #metoo has shed light on those who are LGBTQ and how they have experienced similar harassment and assault (an example would be the revelations about Kevin Spacey). Finally, if there is a downside to #metoo, it would be that in our fast-paced media culture, we can move from one issue to the next too easily. My fear is that #metoo will become forgotten as new scandals, issues, and debates arise.

What factors, financial or otherwise, should women consider when choosing a state to live in?

Women should first understand how a state approaches gender rights, specifically the right for a woman to control her own body. As a woman who lives in a deep red state, I am particularly distressed how South Dakota has not been supportive of reproductive rights, such that we now have only one Planned Parenthood in the whole state. In considering a state to live in, I would make sure that the state has not limited or eliminated my access to birth control, abortion, or other reproductive choices that I might need. In addition to reproductive rights, I would examine state policy regarding maternity and parental leave -- does the state give women and fathers the ability to take time off without penalty? Or, is the state like South Dakota, and is a “right to work” state in which employers can fire employees without needing due cause?

Further, what kind of day care facilities are available in the state, and is there any assistance in providing day care? I would also consider governmental representation -- how many women representatives are there at the local, county, and state level? Finally, I would research what women are paid in the state. No matter where we are in the U.S., the pay for women is unfortunately less than what men earn; but one could find out if a certain state might have more pay equity than others. Some women, like myself, do not have much choice in which state they live in (I am in South Dakota because I was able to find tenure-track academic position here). However, if there is an ability to choose, these would be the questions I would ask.

What should a state level public policy agenda for women include?

Based on what I outlined in the questions above, I would argue that public policy for women should include:

• Equal pay;
• Reproductive rights;
• Maternity and parental leave;
• Affordable and available day care;
• Comprehensive policy on sexual harassment and assault.

Are states converging or diverging in issues of importance to women including equal pay, reproductive rights, etc.?

My impression is that they are diverging, and that we see this between the “red” and “blue” states. If the state is Republican-dominated, such as South Dakota, then we see much less effort to support women and their needs; indeed, these states are actively pursuing policies to strip women of access to reproductive choice, and they ignore issues of leave time or day care in favor of the needs and wishes of employers and businesses. If the state is a Democratic-controlled “blue state,” like neighboring Minnesota, then women fair better, although there are still enormous challenges. However, the divergence is enough to make women like myself consider if making a move to a more liberal state is something that might be a necessity (even though, for me, it could mean leaving a position that I love).

What strategies have proven effective in encouraging more women to run for elected office?

I think, in large part, we are seeing a greater number of women pursuing public office in response to the increasingly draconian Conservative Republican and fundamentalist evangelical policies and philosophies regarding women, which have come to the fore since Trump’s election. While this is not exactly a strategy, it is still the major impetus for why we are seeing more women running for office. We cannot change anything by being passive -- we must get involved in government ourselves if we want to make our situation as women better. We cannot rely on men, even men who are allies, to get the job done for us. Further, women need financial and emotional support to seek election. I am witnessing such support through social media, which enables a grassroots movement to contribute funding, volunteer time, and enthusiasm to women’s campaigns.

Emilie M. Townes Dean of the Divinity School and E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Womanist Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University

How has the #metoo movement helped, or hurt, women in 2018?

The #metoo movement has provided a model for those women who have hesitated to reveal the sexual harassment or sexual violence they have endured, or may even be going through now. The far too long history of various forms of sexual predation that women and girls have endured has been something largely suffered in silence, for fear of not being believed, being blamed for our victimization, being ostracized in our workplaces/families/communities/religious households, and being told that we are overreacting. This has fostered a kind of silence that chips away at the soul and makes it difficult and, sometimes, impossible to develop a healthy self-image and/or confidence in our abilities. Telling the truth and realizing that by telling the truth, the cone of silence and complicity is shattered, and women can show all groups which have been victimized that one can speak out and name dehumanization and violence for what it is.

Methodology

In order to identify the best and worst states for women, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across two key dimensions, “Women’s Economic & Social Well-Being” and “Women’s Health & Safety.”

We examined those dimensions using 23 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for women.

We then determined each state and the District’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its total score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Women’s Economic & Social Well-Being – Total Points: 60

• Median Earnings for Female Workers: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)Note: This metric was adjusted for the cost of living.
• Unemployment Rate for Women: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
• Job Security for Women: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)Notes: (Number of Female Employees in 2016 - Number of Female Employees in 2015) / Number of Female Employees in 2015.
• Share of Women Living in Poverty: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
• Unaffordability of Doctor’s Visit: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)Note: This metric measures the percentage of women who could not afford to see a doctor in the past year due to costs.
• Share of Women-Owned Businesses: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
• High School Graduation Rate for Women: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
• Friendliness Toward Working Moms: Double Weight (~10.00 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Best & Worst States for Working Moms ranking.
• Friendliness Toward Women’s Equality: Double Weight (~10.00 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Best & Worst States for Women's Equality ranking.
• Share of Women Who Voted in the 2016 Presidential Election: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)Note: This metric was calculated as follows: Number of Women Who Voted in 2016 Presidential Election / Total Female U.S. Citizen Population in State.

Women’s Health Care & Safety – Total Points: 40

• Quality of Women’s Hospitals: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)Note: This metric is based on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for Gynecology ranking.
• Female Uninsured Rate: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)Note: This metric accounts for all ages.
• Share of Women with Good or Better Health: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)Note: This metric is based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System (CDC – BRFSS).
• Women’s Preventive Health Care: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)Note: This metric measures the percentage of women who were up-to-date on cervical and breast-cancer screenings.
• Share of Physically Active Women: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)
• Share of Women Who Are Obese: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)
• Baby-Friendliness: Double Weight (~5.71 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Best & Worst States to Have a Baby ranking.
• Depression Rate for Women: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)
• Suicide Rate for Women: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)
• Women’s Life Expectancy at Birth: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)
• Female Homicide Rate: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)Note: This metric measures the number of females murdered by males (per 100,000 female residents) and accounts for all ages.
• Prevalence of Rape Victimization Among Females: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)Note: This metric measures instances of rape. According to the U.S Bureau of Justice Statistics, 91 percent of rape victims are female and 9 percent are male.
• Prevalence of Stalking Victimization Among Women: Full Weight (~2.86 Points)

 

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Educational Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violence Policy Center, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Council for Community and Economic Research, U.S. News & World Report, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation and WalletHub research.

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