Lt. Gov. Stratton launches statewide initiative to advance financial health, well-being of women
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton is launching a new initiative dedicated to advancing women’s financial wholeness: We Thrive.
We Thrive is focused on fostering financial health, freedom and resilience for all women statewide.
As chair of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, Stratton believes women have a huge role to play in the state’s financial success, but systemic barriers continue to prevent them from wholly engaging in the economy.
We Thrive is a major step toward financially empowering women — half the state’s population — to engage in the economy with confidence.
“From day one, our administration has been focused on making Illinois the best state in the nation for women and girls,” Stratton said. “The wage gap gets a lot of attention, but the root of the issue goes deeper. As a working mother and caregiver, I have been directly impacted by some of the systemic hurdles that continue this cycle of inequity. We Thrive is a commitment to help Illinois’ women through all phases of financial decision-making, whether it’s accessing child care, negotiating salaries, getting out of debt or planning for retirement. When women thrive, we all thrive.”
The We Thrive initiative kicks off with a round-table discussion with women leaders hosted by Stratton to discuss the obstacles to and opportunities for Illinois’ women to advance in the state’s economy.
Stratton will host We Chats, listening sessions, to engage women from diverse backgrounds statewide.
“A key component for women’s financial well-being is fair and equal pay,” said Illinois Department of Labor Director Jane Flanagan. “The Illinois Department of Labor works to ensure pay equity through enforcement of the state’s Equal Pay Act. IDOL is also working with community partners across the state to empower women through outreach and education programs.”
The goal of We Thrive is to interrupt a cycle that undercuts women and devalues their efforts to succeed. The initiative will serve as a bridge for women to better prepare for the key financial decisions they make throughout their lifetimes.
“Our mission to eliminate racism and empower women is a goal that we share with Lt. Gov. Stratton’s vision,” said Nicole Robinson, CEO of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
The Office of Minority Economic Empowerment provides support, resources and funding opportunities to communities that historically have faced barriers to entry, including women.