As I reflect on the stories in this issue of Diane—the pressures of finding safe, affordable housing or the insidious abuse and extortion Hoosier women in the adult entertainment and sex industry face—I’m reminded of how often women’s lives are ignored. Despite the critical roles women play in our communities, our stories are too often dismissed. Society does not always listen to women, and it rarely takes the time to adequately research the unique challenges we face.
A recent study found that only 30% of economic research focuses on issues specifically impacting women (source: National Bureau of Economic Research). This gap reflects a broader problem: How can we solve issues like housing affordability, safety, and economic equity when the experiences of women are often hidden from view?
This is where our first “State of Women in Central Indiana” report comes in (to be released this month). This report is not just another set of statistics; it’s a comprehensive look at the real, lived experiences of women in our community. It will offer insights into their struggles and successes, focusing on areas like health, economic mobility, career, and personal safety/intimate partner violence, while also centering the voices of women who too often go unheard.
The value of this report lies in the method used to create it: community listening. We’ve engaged women from across Central Indiana to contribute their stories, their perspectives, and their hopes for the future. Their input will not only guide our work at Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, but also provide crucial data to share with decision makers, including legislators and community leaders. We hope this will deepen their understanding of the unique challenges women face and inspire meaningful change.
Much like the struggles for affordable housing we discuss in this magazine, our report sheds light on how Indiana’s low-wage economy disproportionately affects women. Housing costs continue to rise, and low-income labor impacts women’s ability to secure safe, affordable homes. These realities cannot be ignored if we are to create lasting change and broader prosperity.
I invite you to reflect on these stories, to hear the voices of women in our everyday spaces, and to join us in amplifying those voices. The “State of Women in Central Indiana” report will serve as a vital tool to push for systemic changes that address these invisible struggles and pave the way for opportunities that women deserve. If you are not registered to receive email updates from Women’s Fund, go to womensfund.org to sign up and be among the first to receive the final report in mid-November.
Thank you for your continued commitment to this important work. Together, we can ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
As with all things Women’s Fund, this is your magazine. This space will evolve as you tell us what you want to read and learn.
We hope you enjoy this new offering and that it will inspire in you the commitment to women and girls in our community exemplified by our founder, Diane B. Brashear, Ph.D.
Tamara Winfrey-Harris
President
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
This article was published within the November 2024 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
