The past is a gift- one we celebrate through history and heritage months. It offers us lessons in resilience, insights into what has shaped our present, and inspiration to build a more equitable and stable future. As we reflect on the past, we welcome the opportunity to break cycles and create meaningful change for women and girls in Central Indiana.
This February issue of DIANE is devoted to the state of women and girls in our region. At the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, we embrace the past to inform how we progress, recommitting our place as a visible ally for women and girls. We remain a trusted source of information for those striving to improve outcomes for Hoosier women and girls, and we will continue to be a convening force for the many groups tackling the obstacles ahead.
I hold in deep reverence the research and dedication given to The State of Women Report, developed by the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana in partnership with The Polis Center at Indiana University Indianapolis. The report offers a comprehensive, albeit sobering, view of life for women in Central Indiana. It reveals the duality of a woman’s experience—the progress and the persistent challenges.
The good news begins with education. Indiana University reports a rising number of women pursuing higher education degrees, a trend consistent with national data. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Education shows improvements in high school graduation rates for women, leading to increased postsecondary enrollment. These gains set a foundation for further progress.
However, challenges remain, particularly in health and economic disparities. The report underlines the inaccessibility of equitable and attuned healthcare, worsened by wage disparities that are more severe in Indiana than the national average. Wage inequity limits women’s ability to secure adequate healthcare coverage, compounding issues related to structural barriers such as environmental hazards, unsafe neighborhoods, and inadequate housing. These conditions significantly impact health outcomes, life expectancy, and overall quality of life.
Recognizing the critical importance of women’s health, we are deepening our investment in research. In addition to The State of Women Report, this year we are partnering on two white papers and community conversations focused on reproductive health and mental health. These will complement existing research, providing a comprehensive view of women’s experiences in Central Indiana—from birth throughout life.
This issue of DIANE also shares findings from the State of Aging Report and Indiana Girl Report, illustrating women’s experiences through every stage of life. Our grantee highlights section showcases organizations working tirelessly to ensure access to reproductive care for Central Indiana women. Meanwhile, in the donor spotlight, OPTIONS alumnae and co-chair of the Women in Health Giving Collaborative Steering Committee, Cara Berg-Raunick, details what powers her philanthropy and commitment to women’s reproductive healthcare and rights.
As we begin another year, Women’s Fund honors women in all roles, neighborhoods, and walks of life. We remain committed to ensuring women are empowered to lead, whether in boardrooms, classrooms, communities or homes. We are inspired by the caretakers, teachers, and parents who dedicate themselves to creating a promising tomorrow.
In Central Indiana, and across the state, the prospects for a brighter future begin with improved outcomes and opportunities for women and girls. Together, we can push for every woman to have the support and resources she needs to live life to the fullest.
Tamara Winfrey-Harris
President
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
This article was published within the February 2025 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
