USU Expansion Press Release
Researchers at Utah State University's Utah Women and Leadership Project (UWLP) conducted a statewide survey to establish a baseline of public perception about the challenges facing women and girls in Utah. We conducted a survey. The survey was conducted in the fall of 2023 and focused on five areas: education, community engagement, safety and security, health and wellbeing, and the workplace.
In October and November 2023, UWLP collected data from 3,505 Utahns ages 18 and older. The 80-question survey was based on existing literature and survey instruments, guidance from experts, and baseline data required by A Bolder Way Forward (BWF) leaders. This initiative challenges Utahns to break down barriers to the development of women and girls.
Nineteen research summaries have been published or will be published to provide Utah leaders and residents with insight into the current perceptions of Utahns. To date, 13 research summaries have been published.
A research brief on lifelong health, entrepreneurship, and finance was recently published. This brief was developed by Susan R. Madsen, UWLP Founder and Director, and is used to set goals and metrics for BWF. Below are highlights of each research overview.
Lifelong health – UWLP has been researching topics related to women for many years, and components of mental, physical, social/emotional, and environmental health have been identified in nearly every study.
- Most Utahns somewhat agree that they can plan and complete preventive health visits within the next 12 months.
- Women agreed at a higher level than men that they were able to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
- 45% of respondents feel uninformed about perimenopause (this is especially true for men).
- A quarter of respondents did not feel confident or safe in their clinic or healthcare setting.
- 47.1% disagreed that one of their health care providers would likely screen for intimate partner violence and connect them with the necessary resources within the next year.
“The bottom line is that girls and women in Utah are experiencing serious health problems,” Madsen said. “Health affects all other areas of our lives. This also intersects with other focus areas of the Bold Forward movement. ”
Entrepreneurship – Utah is experiencing significant growth in women-owned businesses. As shown by the difference in entrepreneurship rates between men and women on WalletHub, they rank high in some aspects and low in others.
- 51.9% of respondents agreed that they would start a business if they had the opportunity and resources.
- 81.9% agreed to some extent that their family and friends approve/support their decision to start a business.
- 55.1% agreed that if they started a business, it would grow enough to employ other people (only 18.4% strongly agreed).
- 41.6% disagreed to some extent that they would know how/where to access resources and support if they started a business.
“Many Utahns said they would start a business if they had the resources and opportunity, but many are unaware of the support currently available to all Utahns, especially women,” Madsen said.
Finance – Data on women and finances in Utah was limited. However, it is important for women of all ages to strive for financial security and make informed financial decisions.
- 14.5% and 28.6% strongly agreed or agreed that they are aware of resources that can help them achieve financial security.
- Almost everyone surveyed believed they needed to understand their finances.
- 71% agreed or strongly agreed that they can independently manage their personal finances and make informed decisions to improve their financial health.
- 81% strongly agreed that women should be competent and confident with money.
“Bold Progress aims to make Utah a place where more women and girls can thrive in any environment,” Madsen said. “Strengthening women's ability and confidence to manage their money and make informed decisions, as well as their awareness and use of financial resources, will benefit Utah families and the state as a whole.”
