The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) has launched a short public survey called the Listening Project, designed to help focus future work on issues that matter to Vermonters. The survey asks what needs aren’t being met for Vermont women, what most effects their abilities to provide for themselves or their families, and what can be done to help.
Burlington area Commissioner Melinda Moulton, chair of VCW’s Economic Equity and Security Committee, said about the Project, “We’ve taken our partnership work with Change The Story VT to the next level with the Listening Project. Commissioners will be surveying hundreds of people throughout Vermont to understand where the needs are in their communities and beyond, in order to ensure economic health and security for women. I am extremely proud to be part of this important project.”
The information gathered will be used internally by the VCW to determine where efforts would be best focused as well as being unveiled directly to Vermont policy makers in January. The commission says it wants to hear from all Vermonters, not just women, and plans to hold several listening project events around the state in early fall.
When asked “What do you see as the most significant challenges facing women, overall, in your community?” one survey respondent answered, “Providing employment opportunities that provide livable wages, health benefits, and flexibility for all women, whether single, or those with growing families.” To the question “What do you think has the biggest effect on a woman's ability to have enough money to take care of herself and her family in your community?” another respondent answered, “Low wages; wage and hiring discrimination based on gender, gender identity, or race; higher expenses and lack of affordable housing and health care access.” Detailed responses like these are exactly the information the Commission on Women is looking for to guide them in their future endeavors.