The Status of Women and Girls in New Haven, CT

This report is the result of conversations over nearly two years among women leaders in New Haven about the growing need for data on women and girls in New Haven.
December 01, 2014

by Cynthia Hess, Ph.D., Rhiana Gunn-Wright & Claudia Williams

This report is the result of conversations over nearly two years among women leaders in New Haven about the growing need for data on women and girls in New Haven. The report has four goals:

  1. to provide baseline information on women and girls in New Haven;
  2. to inform policy and program priorities for women and girls in New Haven;
  3. to provide easily accessible data on women and girls in New Haven; and
  4. to create a platform for advocacy and dialogue on issues affecting women and girls in New Haven.

The report was first introduced at a Convening: for Women, coordinated by the Community Fund for Women & Girls and The Community Foundation on June 19, 2012. Read the article and live blog 500 Women Pledge to Boost Their Sisters.

The report was written by the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) in partnership with the Consortium for Women and Girls in New Haven under a contract with the City of New Haven. In producing this report, IWPR collaborated with many individuals and organizations in New Haven. Dr. Chisara Asomugha and Dr. Carolyn Mazure served as co-chairs of the Consortium for Women and Girls and coordinated the work of the Consortium, which comprises individuals who work in diverse fields, including law enforcement, women's health, education, philanthropy, immigration services, business development, and employment services.

A Strategic impact grant from the Community Fund for Women & Girls and other partners funded this report. You can support gender-equity work by giving to the Fund for Women & Girls.

Facts from the Report

  • More than 68,000 women and girls live in New Haven.
  • On average, women in New Haven earn significantly less than men in the city.
  • Girls in New Haven's public schools outperform boys in many respects.
  • 23% of all households in New Haven are headed by single women.
  • In New Haven for 2012–2013, women hold a majority of (16 of 30) of seats on the city's legislative body, the Board of Aldermen.

Read the full report "The Status of Women and Girls in New Haven, CT" here. (PDF)

View the slide presentation of the report.