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A Publication of WTVP

The well-being of young American women improved significantly for members of the Baby Boom generation but hit a wall in generations that followed, according to a recent report from the Population Reference Bureau (PRB).

In "Losing Ground: Young Women's Well-Being Across Generations in the United States," analysts present a comprehensive new index of Young Women's Well-Being (covering ages 16 to 34). The results show how social and structural barriers to progress for young women in Generation X and the Millennial generation have stalled or reversed momentum on several key measures of well-being:

Illinois ranked last in the nation in growth of revenue and employment at women-owned businesses over the last 20 years. Although the number of women-owned firms in Illinois increased from 239,725 to 458,500 from 1997 to 2017 (a 91.3% increase), employment at these firms has actually declined: from 392,569 to 337,800 during the same period.
State of Women-Owned Businesses report,commissioned by American Express OPEN

The PRB analysts did identify several positive trends for young women:

"While some measures are improving, overall the index paints a picture of lost momentum," says Beth Jarosz, a senior research associate at PRB and co-author of the report. "Too many women lack the resources and supportive environments they need to live healthier lives and achieve their full potentials." View the full report, a summary video and more at bit.ly/WomenLosingGround. iBi

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