Women are showing up in leadership, business, and politics like never before. But despite the progress, we still see disparities in pay, promotions, mental load, and childcare. I dive more into this topic in episode 192 of The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth, but I wanted to provide some data and statistics to ground us in the conversation.

Let’s get into it.

Women in the Workplace: The Leadership Gap Still Exists

Women are claiming more leadership roles, but the climb to the top remains uneven. In 2024, women held 29% of C-suite roles, up from just 17% in 2015. But men still outnumber women at every level of the corporate pipeline. And when we break it down even further, only 7% of C-suite positions are held by women of color—a slight improvement from 3% in 2017 (Wellable).

When it comes to promotions, the numbers tell a frustrating story. For every 100 men promoted to their first management position, only 89 white women and 81 women of color get that same opportunity (Wellable). That first step into leadership is crucial, and when women are held back, the effects ripple through the rest of their careers.

Women-Owned Businesses: Growth & Economic Impact

The rise of women-owned businesses is one of the most exciting trends of the past decade. In 2024, women-owned businesses generating over $1 million in annual revenue reached 272,567, contributing $2.2 trillion to the U.S. economy and creating 9.4 million jobs (Small Business Resources, Wells Fargo).

Not only are more women starting businesses, but they’re growing them faster than their male counterparts (Wells Fargo). This shift speaks to women taking control of their financial futures, but it also highlights the need for more investment in female entrepreneurs.

The Mental Load: Still Falling on Women

Inside the home, women continue to bear the brunt of the mental load—managing schedules, planning meals, and juggling family logistics. In 2024, studies found that mothers handle 71% of all household mental load tasks (Science Daily).

Even in dual-income households, women often carry the responsibility of keeping everything running smoothly. This invisible labor contributes to stress, burnout, and the constant struggle of “having it all.”

Childcare: Affordability & Access

The cost and availability of childcare remain significant barriers for working moms. One in three parents of children under five struggles with rising childcare costs, and one in five parents says finding childcare is nearly impossible (CSCCE, Berkeley).

And what about the women who provide that care? They’re among the most underpaid workers in the country—97% of other occupations pay more than early childhood educators (CSCCE, Berkeley). That’s a major disconnect in a society that relies on childcare to keep the economy running.

Pay Disparity: The Wage Gap Persists

The wage gap is shrinking—but not fast enough. In 2023, women earned 83.6% of what men earned, with median weekly earnings of $1,005 compared to $1,202 for men (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

And the gap widens with age. Prime-age women (ages 25-54) still earn less than men in the same age group, and older women face an even steeper decline in earnings compared to their male counterparts (Center for American Progress).

Friendship & Social Connections: Women Lean on Their Network

Social support is essential, and women tend to rely on a broader network of friends for emotional support. Research shows that men and women report loneliness at similar rates, but women are more likely to reach out for help and engage in social relationships (Pew Research Center).

This ability to build and maintain strong support systems is crucial—not just for personal well-being, but also for career growth and professional success.

Women in Politics: Representation Matters

On the political stage, women are making strides, but there’s still a long way to go. In 2024, women held 151 seats in Congress (27.3% of the 535-member body), split between 110 Democrats and 41 Republicans (Center for American Women and Politics, Rutgers).

At the state level, a record-breaking 13 women were elected as governors in 2024—a win, but still far from equal representation (Vanity Fair).

Here in Iowa, women are better represented than in many states. Three of our six Congressional seats (50%) are held by women, including both U.S. Senate seats (CAWP, Rutgers). At the state level, women hold 27.3% of Iowa’s legislature seats—which is progress, but still not where it should be (CAWP, Rutgers).

Intersectionality: The Experiences of Diverse Women

It’s important to recognize that not all women experience these challenges in the same way. Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women from different socioeconomic backgrounds face unique barriers.

For example, while white women earn 83.6% of what men do, Black women earn just 69.5%, Native American women earn 57.0%, and Latinas earn 54.5% (Bureau of Labor Statistics). And women of color are even less represented in leadership roles, making it harder to break into decision-making spaces.

The Future for Ambitious Women

So, where do we go from here?

I’ve always been someone who likes to get things done, to tackle issues head-on. But this year, as I began researching the state of women in the workforce, politics, childcare, and more, I found myself feeling more frustrated than usual.

It was like the mountain I was trying to move just kept getting higher.

Women are still facing wage disparities, challenges in accessing affordable childcare, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.

So, how do we, as women, move forward in 2025? How do we combat these overwhelming challenges? For me, it comes down to defining success on our own terms. What does success look like for you? For me, it means pursuing personal growth, thriving in my work, and being in a supportive community with other women.

To move mountains, we can’t do it alone. But when we come together, support each other, and stay true to our unique journeys, we can shake the ground beneath us and make real progress.

Listen to Episode 192 of The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth as I dive deeper into this issue and share anecdotes, stories, and strategies for moving forward.