To mark 25 years of advancing opportunities for women, the WNY Women's Foundation released the third installment of Pathways to Progress: Accelerating The Possibilities. This data-driven report examines key issues impacting women in Western New York - child care, poverty, leadership, education, occupational segregation, and pay equity. Building on our 2010 and 2017 reports, it compares conditions for women 25 years ago today and outlines projections for the next two decades.

In order to accelerate the pace of change we need to move the needle faster. The Pathways to Progress Series white pages provide an informative overview of issues disproportionately impacting women. As an added value, there will be an accompanying speaker series for conversations with aspiring women leaders and change agents to inspire and motivate all women to take action. For the next 6 months, we will take a deeper dive into the 6 issues immensely affecting women

Child Care

Our deep dive into child care explores the affordability, accessibility, and critical importance of a strong child care system in Western New York. This white paper outlines the challenges families face, the economic impact of child care, and policy recommendations to build a more sustainable and equitable system for all.

POverty

Our white paper on poverty highlights how economic insecurity disproportionately impacts women in Western New York. It examines the root causes, including wage disparities, caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to resources—offering data-driven insights and policy recommendations to advance economic equity for women across the region.

Leadership

Our leadership white paper explores the persistent barriers women face in accessing leadership roles and examines the impact of mentorship and sponsorship on career advancement. It provides insights into the current state of women in leadership across Western New York and outlines strategies to create more inclusive pathways for emerging and established leaders alike.

education

Our education white paper explores the connection between educational access and long-term career outcomes for women in Western New York. It highlights disparities in attainment, barriers to continuing education and training, and the role of education in breaking cycles of poverty. The report also offers strategies to ensure more women can access the education they need to reach their full potential.

Occupational seggregation

Our occupational segregation white paper examines the concentration of women in lower-paying, traditionally female-dominated fields—and the barriers they face entering higher-paying, male-dominated industries like technology, construction, politics, orthopedics, and entrepreneurship. The report outlines the economic consequences of this divide and provides actionable recommendations to create more inclusive and equitable career pathways for women in Western New York.

Pay Gap

Our pay gap white paper analyzes the persistent wage disparities between women and men in Western New York. It explores the factors driving the gap—including occupational segregation, caregiving responsibilities, and systemic bias—and offers policy and workplace solutions to promote pay transparency, support wage equity, and ensure women are compensated fairly for their work.