(Montpelier) – The state’s independent non-partisan Vermont Commission on Women just released a new data dashboard report focusing on the ways the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately and uniquely impacted women.

The state’s independent non-partisan Vermont Commission on Women just released a new data dashboard report focusing on the ways the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately and uniquely impacted women.

Report link: COVID-19 Crisis and Vermont Women

In May 2020, the US Department of Education, headed by Secretary Betsy Devos, announced new regulations to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, governing how educational institutions, including colleges and universities, respond to allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Cary Brown, executive director of the Vermont Commission on Women, said the bill would not only benefit women candidates who historically have had to bear the brunt of child-rearing responsibilities. 

“That is one of the teeny little tiny steps we can take to shift the culture a little bit,” Brown said, referring to the adoption of the bill. “So the expectation is that parents are equally taking care of children and it’s not falling disproportionately on women.”

This conversation highlights COVID-19 response inspired policy changes to reduce income inequality with Rep. Emilie Kornheiser and Cary Brown of the Vermont Commission on Women and UVM Prof. Stephanie Seguino on WVEW’s Montpelier Happy Hour with Olga Peters.