Illinois has among the worst five rates of annual intimate partner violence at about 9 percent.
In 7 states, fewer than 20% of state legislators are women. We measure women's inclusion in the economic, social, and political spheres of American life. The US Index tracks women's college completion, representation in state legislatures, their employment and whether they earn a living wage.
In 37 States, domestic abusers subject to protective orders are not required to relinquish firearms. To capture the extent of justice for women, the US Index tracks seven key legal protections for women, discriminatory attitudes, as well as maternal mortality and access to reproductive health care.
What does gender equality look like? “When all women—whether white or POC [people of color], straight, bi, lesbian, or trans—have a real opportunity to succeed without barriers."
In 17 States, fewer than half of women feel safe walking alone at night in their neighborhood. We measure women's safety and freedom from violence at the household, community, and societal levels. The US Index captures intimate partner violence, health care affordability, women's safety walking alone at night, and gun-related deaths.
Learn more about women's rights and opportunities in your state.
Contact your elected representative to demand action, and support these non-profits working to improve women's rights and opportunities.