Businesswomen

Ohioline Fact Sheet, The She-cession: How the Pandemic Forced Women from the Workplace and How Employers Can Respond

Meghan Thoreau, Extension Educator, Community Development, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County

 

Viewpoint from behind woman as she stares up at an exit sign.

Figure 1. The pandemic has had disproportionate impacts on working women’s careers. Photo by Adobe Spark.

COVID-19 has altered the lives of most Americans, but changes at home and work have affected working women significantly, particularly working women of color.

Even before COVID, women earned less, saved less, had less access to financial services and products, and had non-linear career trajectories. Furthermore, women lived longer than men. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women’s life expectancy is to reach 87.3 years by 2060, compared with 83.9 years for men (Medina, Sabo, and Vespa 2020). Since COVID-19, women face additional disproportional impacts from the pandemic-induced recession. The pandemic’s effect on women has been termed a “she-cession,” by C. Nicole Mason, a women’s policy researcher and economist, to describe the disproportionate impacts the pandemic has had on working women’s careers (Andrews 2020).

Our country has undergone an initial mass exodus of more than 20 million women from the workforce at the beginning of the pandemic (Chiappa 2021). While many women eventually returned to work, a huge number left their careers to fill ongoing gaps in childcare and to help with their children’s remote learning. January’s 2021 jobs reports showed that 2.5 million women ultimately exited the workforce compared to 1.8 million men (Rogers 2021). This imbalance raises several questions:

  • Whose professional time do we value most?
  • Who is dispensable?
  • How can employers support and retain women in the workplace?

This fact sheet explores answers to these questions by highlighting some of the growing inequities of working women, especially after the onset of COVID-19. It also presents actionable solutions where employers can start designing their working environments and adjusting employee policies to support women proactively and tangibly in the workplace. “Equality for women is progress for all” (Unicef 2014). Click below to read the full fact sheet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/cdfs-4110

 

References

Andrews, Audrey. 2020. “The Coronavirus Recession Is a ‘She-cession.’” Press Hits, Institute for Women’s Policy Research. May 15, 2020.
iwpr.org/media/press-hits/the-coronavirus-recession-is-a-she-cession/.

Medina, Lauren, Shannon Sabo, and Johathan Vespa. 2020. Living Longer: Historical and Projected Life Expectancy in the United States, 1960 to 2060. Washington D.C., U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. PDF.
census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/demo/p25-1145.pdf.

Chiappa, Claudia. 2021. “The Pandemic Forced Millions of Women Out of the Workforce—Many Have Not Returned.” Daily Hampshire Gazette. November 8, 2021.
gazettenet.com/Gender-disparity-in-the-pandemic-43339268.

Rogers, Katie. 2021. “2.5 Million Women Left the Workforce During the Pandemic. Kamala Harris Sees a ‘National Emergency.” The New York Times, The Indian Express (website). February 19, 2021.
indianexpress.com/article/world/kamala-harris-covid-pandemic-women-workforce-7195552/.

Unicef. 2014. Equality for Women Is Progress for All. March 8, 2014.
unicef.org/turkey/en/press-releases/equality-women-progress-all.

* Full reference list in the fact sheet.

Ohio Christian University and Pickaway ESC Summit STEM, Session Overviews

Ohio Christian University and Pickaway ESC Summit on November 6, 2021  

Session 1: Learn about OSU Extension’s local hands-on informal STEM learning opportunities and youth career exploration programming in Pickaway County, Hands-on STEM Learning & Career Exploration Programming:

The goal of the Community Development STEM programs is to promote student engagement and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. participants are engaging in hands-on STEM acNviNes and career exploration with visiting professionals and educators from the community and The Ohio State University. Select programs also involve high school mentor students that assist with program acNviNes while themselves gaining both soX and technical skills, leadership, community service, and college/career exploration opportunities.

Session 2: OSU Extension: Pickaway County K-12 Teacher/Student PercepKons: Virtual/Hybrid Learning Environments Preliminary Results, Preliminary Results K-12 Virtual Hybrid Learning Study:

Prezi Presentation: www.go.osu.edu/remotelearningstudy

The COVID-19 pandemic has also forced educators to reevaluate their programming formats and plan and create more virtual learning and teaching lessons for the current 2020/21 school year forward. The study is led by me, Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator 3, M.R.P. at OSU Extension, Community Development & STEM, College of Food, Agricultural, & Environmental Sciences. The purpose of the study is to measure the experiences of K-12 teachers and 6-12th grade students in virtual and/or hybrid learning environments, to measure teacher perceptions and attitudes of virtual and hybrid learning strategies, and to identify challenges and opportunities of virtual and hybrid learning environments compared to in-person instruction. This session will share out preliminary results of the action research study currently under analysis.

MEGHAN THOREAU, OSU Extension Educator with a unique mix of skills and experience in construction management, planning, and educational outreach and programming. Meghan focuses on preparing Pickaway County youth for STEM careers. She works collaboratively with a team of Extension professionals, volunteers, campus collaborators, and community partners to provide leadership for the development, production, and evaluation of educational programs and applied research to foster STEM educational opportunities that increase career a\ainment in STEM fields. Email: thoreau.1@osu.edu. 

The Pandemic is forcing Women from the Workforce. Can Extension’s Workforce Development Programs Respond?

By: Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator

This poster presentation, ‘The Pandemic is forcing Women from the Workforce and Can Extension’s Workforce Development Programs Respond?’ was presented at the 2021 Virtual National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) National Conference on May 18, 2021. There were three versions created and provided below: 1) a video image-based poster presentation, 2) an online word-based poster presentation, and 3) a PDF word-based poster presentation.

Video Presentation (duration 13:40)

 

The Pandemic is forcing Women from the Workforce and Can Extension’s Workforce Development Programs Respond? (PDF version)

#NationalBusinessWomensDay: special career exploration webinar recording

By: Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator

Program panelists.

Professional leadership positions highlighted in the program.

Discover how leaders and events shape the community. Today we celebrated #Nationalbusinesswomensday, half a dozen local Pickaway County businesswomen joined a special roundtable discussion on career exploration to inspire the next generation of businesswomen. The recorded webinar lets us share and explore their career pathways, life lessons, reflections, and provides a networking opportunity in the follow-up. Please click to register, go.osu.edu/businesswomen, and watch the free Pickaway Businesswomen Roundtable Program. (Session transcripts are provided within recording.)

Zoom Webinar Program Team Screen Shot

Women in business are typically very active community leaders as well, such as supporting local opportunities of engagement. The women involved in this panel are examples of working professionals, but also community leaders and mentors for young professionals to follow.

In the coming weeks, we’ll provide featured blog posts highlighting each professional’s career path more in depth. So please say tune, and of course, special thanks to our wonderful business partners:

For more information or resource support please reach out to OSU Extension and Pickaway WORKS!

Pickaway Businesswomen Roundtable

By: Meghan Thoreau, OSU Extension Educator

Are you interested in learning more about careers in business? Take advantage of this free virtual networking opportunity with Pickaway County businesswomen leaders and explore local career pathways with a live Q&A session. Build connections for your future! Register now for the live panel discussion with local businesswomen leaders working in Pickaway County, Sept. 22, 2020, @ 10 AM. #NationalBusinessWomensDay

Program image created by Meghan Thoreau in Adobe Spark.

Registration required: go.osu.edu/businesswomen. After you register, a unique Zoom Webinar link will be emailed to you, please do not share this meeting link as it will affect your ability to participate in this virtual event.

Our Businesswomen Panelists Include

 

STACEY SARK is Co-owner and VP of Operations of Mid-Ohio Water Management, LLC, a family-owned excavation and drainage company that she manages with her husband Ryan. As vice president of operations, she works in the field as well as manages the office and finances. Prior to that, Stacey worked at P3 (Pickaway Progress Partnership), our county’s economic development agency for over 7 years and continues to work with them as a consultant maintaining their financials. Stacey earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Business from Wilmington College. She serves on the Pickaway County Planning Commission, is the chair for Pickaway County Community Foundation’s PCN Agriculture Committee, serves on the advisory board of Pickaway WORKS, and is a member of the Teays Valley Golden Sound band boosters. She also works with her daughter Delaney, raising and selling 4-H show steers. Stacey is a long-time resident of Pickaway County and a Westfall High School graduate. She and her husband Ryan have three children and live on their farm in Scioto Township. For more information contact Stacey, staceysark1@gmail.com.

BETHANY REID is the Vice President of Administration & Marketing for Health Care Logistics, Inc. Health Care Logistics (HCL) is a 40+ year family owned and operated business with world headquarters tucked under the famous Pumpkin Tower in Circleville. HCL specializes in distributing over 8,000 unique and hard to find medical supply items as well as limitless innovation solutions and manufacturing processes centered around the healthcare industry. Bethany is very involved in Pickaway County and serves on a multitude of committees and boards such as Trinity Lutheran Preschool, P3, and the Pickaway Ag & Event Center Leadership Team. She is also an extremely passionate 4H advisor for an 83 member 4-H club, and the Washington Hill Climbers. Bethany is a 1994 graduate of Logan Elm High School and a 1998 graduate of Capital University. She currently holds an inactive CPA license in addition to her bachelor’s degree in accounting.  Bethany is married to her high school sweetheart, Brian Reid, and have four beautiful children: Brittany, BJ, Blayton, and Bailey. She and her family reside on a small 5-acre farm southeast of Circleville, with a variety of animals and enjoy camping, shooting sports, traveling, and renovating their 159-year-old farmhouse. For more information contact Bethany, breid@gohcl.com.

HEIDI WHITE has been employed by Kingston National Bank since 1998 in a variety of positions and currently serving as Vice President and Branch and Sales Manager of the newest branch in Circleville. Heidi grew up in Ross County and has been a resident of the Logan Elm School district since 2001. Heidi is a graduate of Zane Trace High School and has a Bachelor of Science in Human & Consumer Sciences from Ohio University. In the community, Heidi is a member of the Circleville Noon Rotary, a 2018 Pickaway Fellow, serves on the Pickaway County YMCA Advisory Board and the PCN Leadership for Tomorrow committee. She is also serving her first term as a member of the Logan Elm Board of Education. For more information contact Heidi, h.white@kingstonnationalbank.com.

JESSICA MULLINS is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of The Savings Bank in Circleville. She oversees the deposit operations of all branches, facilitates vendor relations, and manages operational reporting, conversions, and risk management.  Jessica is a graduate of The Ohio State University achieving a B.S. degree in Business Administration with majors in Finance and Marketing. She has worked for The Savings Bank for 17 years and previously worked for Bank One (Chase) as a financial analyst. Jessica also serves the community by residing on various boards and being involved in community events. She currently serves on the Pickaway County Community Foundation Board, the Brooks Yates Housing Opportunities Board, Circleville Noon Rotary, and is a 4-H advisor for the Westfall Livestock 4-H Club. She is a graduate of the Pickaway Fellows program. She has previously served as board president for the Pickaway County Board of Developmental Disabilities, a board member for the Pickaway County Chamber, board member of Wayne Township Zoning Board, and others. Jessica resides in Circleville with her two children who attend Circleville High School and Middle School. For more information contact Jessica, jessica.mullins@thesavingsbank.net.

KATIE LOGAN HEDGES is the Director of Operations for a family-owned business, FORJAK Industrial, a commercial media blasting and coating facility. She graduated from Otterbein University in 2008 with a degree in Public Relations. Katie is responsible for all operations relating to 75 employees and over $14M in yearly revenue. She also consults for a conglomerate of not-for-profit public charter schools where she has worked since 2008. Currently, Katie served in many leadership roles, e.g. chairwomen of the Pickaway Metropolitan Housing Authority, chair of the Leadership for Tomorrow fund for the Pickaway County Fellows, secretary of the Pickaway County Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau, Circleville City Councilperson, Board Member of Circleville City School Foundation, member of Pickaway County 100+ Women Who Care, member of the Pickaway County Homeless Coalition, lector at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and member of the Strategic Planning Committee for the Pickaway County Community Foundation. In her free time, Katie enjoys traveling abroad, reading, and writing a book. Leadership and a deep-rooted sense of community have been instilled in Katie since she was a young girl. She believes it’s the responsibility of every citizen to play a role in the community in which they live – whether that’s giving of their time, treasure, or talents. For more information contact Katie, khedges@forjakindustrial.com.

JOY EWING is the Director of Pickaway County Job and Family Services.  She is a graduate of Allen East High School, near Lima, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Wilmington College and her Master’s in Public Administration from Walden University. Joy has worked at Pickaway County Job and Family Services for 25 years. She has been in several departments and positions during her time at the Agency. Joy started in Customer Service, then moved to various Caseworker positions. She joined the management team as an Administrator in 2006. In 2011, Joy was appointed as the Director of the Agency. Joy has served on several Boards and Community organizations.  Currently, she is a member of Circleville Noon Rotary. Joy is a Board member for Pickaway County Community Foundation, Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce, and Pickaway County Family Children First Council. For more information contact Joy, joy.ewing@jfs.ohio.gov.

Program sponsors are Pickaway WORKS and OSU Extension, Pickaway County. Registration required: go.osu.edu/businesswomen.

American Business Women’s Day is an American holiday, nationally recognized on September 22. The day of celebration marks the 1949 founding date of the American Business Women’s Association, the mission of which is, “to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition.”[1]

This holiday was recognized in 1983 and 1986 by Congressional resolution and a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan.[2] It commemorates the important legacy and contributions of the more than 68 million American working women and 7.7 million women business owners.[3] Moreover, it provides an opportunity for ABWA chapters and individual businesswomen to celebrate their accomplishments within the American and global marketplace.

Photo source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/american-business-womens-day-september-22/

  1.  “Archived copy”. Archived from the original on 2009-03-22. Retrieved 2009-09-22.
  2. ^ http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1986/092286d.htm
  3. ^ “Archived copy”. Archived from the original on 2011-04-26. Retrieved 2011-04-12.