Institute for Women's Policy Research

'Institute for Women's Policy Research is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 by Heidi Hartmann, a renowned economist and expert on women's rights, with the goal of conducting research and analysis on issues related to gender equality and social justice. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has established itself as a leading authority on women's policy issues, working closely with organizations such as the National Organization for Women and the American Association of University Women. The Institute's work is informed by the principles of feminist theory and is guided by a commitment to promoting social change and advancing the status of women in society, as envisioned by pioneers like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem.

● History

The Institute for Women's Policy Research was founded in 1987 by Heidi Hartmann, who served as its first president. During its early years, the organization focused on conducting research on issues related to women's employment and economic security, including the wage gap and job discrimination, in collaboration with organizations like the U.S. Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Institute's work was influenced by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and it has continued to build on this foundation, working with lawmakers like Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Mikulski to advance legislation that promotes gender equality. Over the years, the organization has expanded its research agenda to include a broader range of topics, including health care, education, and violence against women, and has partnered with organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations to address these issues globally.

● Mission and Goals

The Institute for Women's Policy Research is dedicated to conducting research and analysis that informs policy debates and promotes social change on issues related to gender equality and social justice. The organization's mission is to provide evidence-based research and data-driven analysis that can be used to advance the status of women and promote equity and inclusion in society, as envisioned by thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir and bell hooks. The Institute's goals include promoting pay equity, improving access to health care and education for women and girls, and addressing the root causes of violence against women, in collaboration with organizations like the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the American Medical Association. The organization works to achieve these goals through a combination of research, advocacy, and education, and has partnered with lawmakers like Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren to advance legislation that promotes gender equality.

● Research Areas

The Institute for Women's Policy Research conducts research in a variety of areas related to gender equality and social justice, including women's employment and economic security, health care, education, and violence against women. The organization's research agenda is guided by a commitment to promoting social change and advancing the status of women in society, and is informed by the work of scholars like Judith Butler and Angela Davis. The Institute's research has been cited by policymakers and advocates around the world, including the United Nations and the World Bank, and has been used to inform policy debates on issues like pay equity and access to health care. The organization has also partnered with researchers at universities like Harvard University and Stanford University to conduct studies on topics like women's leadership and gender-based violence.

● Publications and Reports

The Institute for Women's Policy Research publishes a range of reports and briefs on topics related to gender equality and social justice. The organization's publications include The Status of Women in the States, a comprehensive report that provides data and analysis on the status of women in each of the 50 states, and The Women's Economic Agenda, a report that outlines a policy agenda for promoting women's economic security. The Institute's publications are widely cited by policymakers and advocates, and have been used to inform policy debates on issues like pay equity and access to health care. The organization has also published reports in collaboration with other organizations, like the National Women's Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union, on topics like reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

● Notable Initiatives

The Institute for Women's Policy Research has launched a number of notable initiatives over the years, including the Status of Women in the States project, which provides data and analysis on the status of women in each of the 50 states. The organization has also launched initiatives focused on promoting pay equity, improving access to health care and education for women and girls, and addressing the root causes of violence against women. The Institute has partnered with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Ford Foundation to support these initiatives, and has worked with lawmakers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor to advance legislation that promotes gender equality. The organization's initiatives have been recognized by awards and honors from organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Human Rights Campaign.

● Leadership and Staff

The Institute for Women's Policy Research is led by a team of experienced researchers and advocates who are committed to promoting gender equality and social justice. The organization's president is C. Nicole Mason, a renowned expert on women's policy issues, who has worked with organizations like the National Urban League and the Center for American Progress. The Institute's staff includes economists, sociologists, and policy analysts who have expertise in a range of areas related to gender equality and social justice, and have worked with organizations like the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute. The organization's board of directors includes prominent leaders in the fields of women's rights, civil rights, and social justice, including Dolores Huerta and Ai-jen Poo.