LANSING, Mich. — Throughout her career and term as governor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has achieved significant milestones advancing the equity and health of Michigan women by pursuing policies that make a real difference in their lives. To celebrate, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Women’s Commission hosted a virtual event to highlight Gov. Whitmer’s wins for women – from making childcare more affordable to expanding access to career pathways.
“I’m incredibly proud of the historic work we’ve done with the Michigan Women’s Commission to deliver for women in communities across Michigan,” said Gov. Whitmer. “From growing opportunity for women to get good-paying jobs to defending reproductive freedom, we’ve helped more women thrive. I’m grateful to win the first ‘Winning Woman’ award from the Michigan Women’s Commission. Let’s keep working together to move our state forward.”
As part of this event, Gov. Whitmer was presented with the first “Winning Woman” award from the Michigan Women’s Commission to recognize her leadership, courage and commitment have created meaningful and lasting progress for women and families across Michigan. The award honors a leader who not only breaks barriers herself, but uses influence to open doors, expand opportunities and inspire the next generation of Michigan women.
“In 2019, Gov. Whitmer and the Michigan Women’s Commission took note of what the priorities of Michigan were, and those priorities included economic security and affordable, accessible childcare,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Since then, LEO and the Women’s Commission have worked together to implement the Michigan Tri-Share Child Care program, create pathways to high-wage careers and bring focus to women’s issues in midlife like menopause. We’re continuing to move the needle forward and ensure Michigan is the best and most supportive place for women to thrive.”
LEO Wins for Michigan Women
- Michigan Tri-Share is removing barriers and lowering the cost of childcare by splitting the cost between the state, the employer and the employee. This program now includes more than 260 employers serving more than 800 families with 1,000 children – generating more than $10.2 million in savings for families.
- The Pathways to High-WageCareers report was released as a result of roundtables, research and public-private partnerships to provide core recommendations to drive economic benefit for Michigan. LEO is expanding access to Registered Apprenticeships and STEM career pathways to help more women enter high-wage, in-demand fields where they have been historically underrepresented. Increasing women’s participation in these programs, particularly in the skilled trades, is critical to closing wage gaps, increasing economic mobility and strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.
- Menopause Support: MWC is supporting menopausal people in the workforce and bringing a general awareness to barriers women face during midlife. Menopause: It’s a Movement! is a data-informed education and advocacy initiative designed to ensure Michigan women thrive through menopause – at work, within the healthcare system, at home and beyond. Addressing menopause in the workplace is essential to understanding the full scope of challenges women face across careers and their lives.
- This year, MWC also released the Menopause Memorandum making key recommendations for employers and lawmakers on how to help women thrive in midlife, assist our communities and families and grow our economy. Key takeaways include education around perimenopause and menopause, public education and awareness, policies to support midlife women in the workplace and menopause physician education.
- Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan: The Michigan Women’s Commission and the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan have collaborated to create a mentorship program that pairs women leaders in government with high school aged Girls Scouts to encourage them to run for an elected position, apply to a board or commission and learn how public policy influences all aspects of life. They are working together to engage youth in early leadership development through the Visible Authentic Leadership Committee. So far this program’s 29 mentors have guided 39 mentees with their leadership skills, career navigation, professional development and more.
- Women in the Workforce: In April, LEO’s Employment and Training Division released the latest Women in the Workforce Report to make sure the state is carrying out data-driven strategies to increase women’s access to educational opportunities, higher wages and childcare ensuring women thrive.
“It’s been an honor working alongside Gov. Whitmer for the past eight years, said Michigan Women’s Commission Director Cheryl Bergman. “The work we’ve done for the women of Michigan wouldn’t be possible without the governor’s leadership and dedication to improving the lives of the women and families in the state. Change doesn’t happen by accident; it must be intentional and Gov. Whitmer embodies that. She turned obstacles into steppingstones and has shown that when women are supported and thriving, Michigan is too.”
Learn more about Gov. Whitmer’s wins for Michigan women.
Learn more about the Michigan Women’s Commission.
