Foundation learns challenges women face in C.O.

It was a night of female empowerment in Central Oregon. The Women’s Foundation of Oregon stopped by Central Oregon Community College Wednesday evening as part of its statewide listening tour.

The foundation is spending the month traveling the state and listening to what women and girls have to say.

The Women’s Foundation of Oregon is the only statewide public foundation focused solely on improving the lives of women and girls.

After realizing there hasn’t been a comprehensive report on the status of Oregon women in 20 years, the foundation made it their mission to find out what challenges women face around the state.

“For the first time in 20 years, decision makers and leaders across the state will know exactly how women and girls are doing in Oregon,” explained executive director Emily Evans.

The group spent seven months gathering data about women, then set out on a month-long listening tour to get local perspectives.

“Oregon women and girls are contributing an exceptional amount to this state, and in return they’re experiencing some of the biggest inequities in the country,” Evans said.

In Oregon, full-time female workers make 21 percent less than men. That’s 79 cents of every dollar.

At the event, women of all ages were asked to think of challenges they face in Central Oregon and then work in groups to find solutions.

Most women said low wages was the biggest issue in Bend. Other issues of concern were mental health, education, job training, and safety.

The foundation is traveling to 12 cities to gather stories that they will put in a comprehensive report to be released in September. Foundation leaders say they hope this will change the conversation and bring equality to women in Oregon.

For more information on Women’s Foundation of Oregon, visit:https://womensfoundationoforegon.org/