Good News for Women at Work: 3 Reasons to Feel Hopeful Right Now

Yes, between persistent gender bias and the recent rollback of previous workplace progress, the news around women and work can feel discouraging. But the sun is out, and dwelling on doom and gloom simply does not suit my mood at the moment. Whether you’re looking for a job, managing the demands of working parenthood, or simply hoping to live in a world where women have more professional and economic power — because, as we all know, that would be better for, yes, everyone — here are some reasons to be optimistic right now.

More new jobs are going to women

Though high numbers of women left the workforce last year, largely due to caretaking responsibilities and return-to-office mandates, nearly all of the 369,000 new jobs created in the U.S. over the last 18 months have gone to women. This is thanks to growth in female-dominated sectors like health care. What does that mean? More women in the workforce spells more economic stability for women and for the country as a whole, and more-ethical workplaces.

Dads are taking on more at home

To state what the moms reading this might already feel deeply, women tend to take on the majority of household and child-rearing responsibilities, even if they and their male partner both work full-time. But recent data show that college-educated fathers have increased the amount of time they’re spending on housework and childcare. Having an equitable domestic partnership helps remove a major hurdle women face when it comes to pursuing their professional goals.

Gen Z women are changing the housing market

Over the last couple of years, 35% of Gen Z homebuyers were single women, compared to just 18% single men. This indicates that women of this generation are doing well in terms of financial independence, and that they have an eye toward building wealth in the long term.