Georgia is not treating its women well, a new study shows.
The Center for American Progress, a progressive think tank, produced “The State of Women in America” report, which examined the advancements of women in each of the 50 states and the inequalities that still remain.
The organization ranked Georgia as the 41st worst state in the nation for women on the basis of economic security, leadership, and health. The state is one of 10 to receive an overall grade of “F” across the 36 factors considered for the report.
Seven of the 10 failing states are in the south, including neighbor state Alabama. Maryland is the best state for women, the study found.
“Despite the advancements made by women over the past few decades, it is still difficult for women to get ahead and not just get by,” the report stated. “There remain challenges on economic security, leadership, and health issues that make it harder for women to have a fair shot at success.”
The report disparaged Georgia for having the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, and for the almost 21 percent of women in Georgia who live in poverty. In Louisiana, which the report deemed the worst state for women in the nation, 22 percent of women live in poverty.
Women in Georgia make 81 cents for every dollar a man makes, the report showed. The report highlighted further disparities among minority women, finding that Hispanic women make 47 cents for every dollar a white male makes.
Among the three categories examined, the state scored the worst for women in leadership. Georgia is one of 15 states with no female elected officials in Congress. Within the state, almost 62 percent of managerial jobs are held by men, despite the fact that women make up 53 percent of the state’s population, the study found.
To read more of the report, visit the American Progress website.
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