Women have been active participants in the workforce for decades – even centuries. From shattering glass ceilings to surpassing men in the college-educated workforce to overcoming obstacles faced in the workplace, women have demonstrated an incredible resiliency throughout history.

History

If we look back throughout history, women have always remained essential to the success of the workforce. According to the Department of Labor, women were about 20% of all persons in the labor force in 1920. During World War I, the number of women in industry – along with the range of available occupations – increased significantly. As of 2022, 47% of all women in the U.S. participated labor force.

Here are just a few of the accomplishments women have made in recent years:

An analysis conducted by Pew Research center shows that as of 2023, women comprise 51% of the college-educated workforce ages 25 and older.
According to a 2023 Census Bureau analysis, about 35% of workers in the county’s highest-paying jobs are women – in 1980, this number was just 13%.
In the U.S., the labor force participation rate is projected to increase for women, adding approximately 2.9 million more workers over a ten-year period based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, as of 2021 women make up 42% of management roles in the workforce.

Despite these increases and accomplishments, barriers still exist for women in the workplace. The National Committee on Pay Equity recognizes Tuesday, March 21, 2024, as equal pay day. This represents how far into the year women must work to earn what men have in the prior year.

Eyes on the Future

Although many barriers still exist, women continue to make strides in the workforce. Encouraging women to explore nontraditional jobs, to seek out management roles and promotional opportunities, and support all women in the workforce will continue to make our workforce and our communities thrive.