Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Utah Women & Leadership Project White Paper

Volume

9

Publisher

Utah Women & Leadership Project

Publication Date

1-4-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

19

Abstract

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report rated each state using 71 metrics in eight categories. Utah came out on top, declared as the “Best State Overall” for the second year in a row, ranking number two in education, and number three in both economy and infrastructure categories. 1 In addition, WalletHub dubbed Utah 2023’s Most Charitable State, citing high levels of charitable giving and volunteerism,2 and ConsumerAffairs declared Utah the “Best State to Move to in 2024.”3 Each of these ratings highlights notable characteristics of Utah residents and the state’s leadership. The top rankings emphasize qualities we can—and should—be pleased with.

At the same time, however, there are sets of rankings and data that consistently demonstrate that, while Utahns are thriving in many ways, there are vast differences in the way that residents experience Utah’s economic success, leadership opportunities, and even safety and belonging. For the ninth year in a row, WalletHub has named Utah as the worst state in the nation for women’s equality in its report “Best & Worst States for Women’s Equality,” released August 19, 2024.4 The U.S. News & World Report places Utah 46th of 50th for gender equality.5 The 2020 U.S. Women, Peace, and Security Index places Utah in the bottom third (36 out of 51), with inclusion, justice, and security indicators below the national average.6 See the Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) 2021 white paper, Women’s Equality in Utah, for a more in-depth discussion of some of the rankings.

The state boasts a thriving economy, is known throughout the world for breathtaking scenery and outdoor recreation, has a love for and commitment to the arts, provides broad access to quality higher education (at a lower cost than many other states), and houses people who are ready to help by giving time and resources. How is it, then, that one in three Utah women has been sexually assaulted and one in six has been raped?7 How is it possible that in a state with strong family-oriented values, one in three women will experience some form of domestic violence during her lifetime?8 And why do 36.4% of Utah single mothers whose children are under the age five experience poverty?9 Factor in any additional minority status (race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity), and many of these statistics become even more alarming.

For more than a decade, the UWLP has been engaged in research, seeking to understand the many anomalies and juxtapositions described above. UWLP researchers, often in partnership with scholars from around the state, have studied everything from substance abuse to civic engagement and sexist comments to opportunities for leadership development. In some areas there has been some growth, with more Utah women completing bachelor’s degrees than in 2007, and a slow and steady increase in women’s inclusion on state boards and commissions. In many other ways, however, there has been little to no progress, and, in some circumstances, data demonstrate declining trends.

Yet, research continues to show that organizations and entities will increasingly thrive when both men and women hold leadership roles and are provided equitable opportunities and access to resources.10 Gender inclusivity benefits not only businesses but also entities such as families, churches, state legislatures, city councils, the state government, and the collective society. Studies show numerous benefits in attracting, retaining, promoting, and empowering women within organizations and entities.

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