It’s Startling That Idaho Ranks Among The Worst For Women

Why is Idaho ranked as one of the worst states for women in 2024?

Now, we all know that Idaho has a rich history when it comes to women's rights. In 1896, we were one of the first states to grant women the right to vote, which is something we can be proud of. But fast forward to today, and we find ourselves ranked as one of the worst states for women. That's a hard pill to swallow.

The ranking takes into account factors like economic and social well-being and health and safety. It seems we've got some work to do, especially when it comes to reproductive rights and gender-based violence. We need to ensure access to affordable contraception, respect voluntariness, protect confidentiality, and prohibit sex discrimination.

• Idaho is ranked 49th when it comes to median earnings for female workers (adjusted to the cost of living).
• Idaho is ranked 49th when it comes to the % of women-owned businesses.

But here's the good news - we can continuously improve! Let's take a page out of Massachusetts' book. Ranked as the best state for women, Massachusetts has made significant strides with policies that promote gender equality, including wage equality, family-friendly work policies, and robust anti-discrimination laws.

What if we could implement similar policies here in Idaho? Think about it – equal pay for equal work, flexible working hours for parents, and stronger laws to prevent and address discrimination. Wouldn't that be a game-changer?

While the current state of women's rights in Idaho is concerning, it's not a lost cause. By learning from states like Massachusetts and advocating for policy changes, we can make Idaho a better place for all women. After all, isn't that what we all want - a state that respects and values all its residents equally?