Women and the City

Economic Development Opportunities

Women have been increasingly important in the growth and competitiveness of cities in the global market, yet their contributions are unrecognized, and they still earn less money than men. In the United States, Latina women earn 56 cents, African American women 62 cents, and White women 72 cents for ever dollar White men earn. The glass ceiling for women and opportunities in cities are higher and better then in rural areas by virtue of density and diversity, but factors still stymie the way women can advance to economic self-sufficiency. These inequalities have impacted the daily life of women in cities, and women have responded by organizing and influencing cities. Through education programs, through informal work in small businesses or home-based income-generating activities, women have been creating opportunities for themselves and their families. They have done this often while performing full-time unpaid work in the home, such as housework and child and elder care. One of the ways that women have organized around economic development has focused on green jobs in the context of environmental racism in urban areas. Women organizing in cities to promote environmental justice have proven to be important. Women for Economic Justice is a group in Chicago that works to support economic independence for women of color, who may also be survivors of violence. The organization supports small businesses, social purpose business, and cooperative development through a series of workshops on financial literacy, domestic violence, co-op development, and economic analysis. The women in these groups have formed co-ops that use recycled material to make bags, a Mexican catering service using organic ingredients, and plants for green roofs.

...