The Women’s Initiative develops robust, progressive policies and solutions to ensure all women can participate in the economy and live healthy, productive lives.
A woman introduces her newborn baby to her grandmother, November 2020, in Los Angeles. (Getty/Brandon Bell)
What We're Doing
Advancing a proactive abortion agenda
Abortion rights are under attack. Our proactive agenda provides a road map for state and federal lawmakers to develop and enact policies that ensure equitable, safe access to abortion. In coalition, we will push back against restrictions that impede access to this critical health care service.
Addressing the maternal health crisis
People are more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes in the United States than in any other high-income country. Working closely with partners, we develop policy interventions to curb the maternal health crisis, eliminate racial disparities, and advance investments in maternal health care.
Closing the gender wage gap
To address pay disparities, especially for women of color, our comprehensive work advocates for measures such as the Paycheck Fairness Act (PFA). The PFA would strengthen equal pay protections, prohibit employer retaliation, and limit employers’ reliance on salary history to make hiring decisions.
Building a stronger economy by prioritizing women
Women are crucial to a thriving economy and families’ economic stability and must be at the heart of any economic recovery. We research solutions that maximize women’s economic participation and respond to competing demands of work and family, such as a national paid family and medical leave program.
The Women’s Initiative works to secure women’s health and bodily autonomy, economic stability, equality, and access to equitable opportunities and uphold other reproductive, civil, and human rights. We firmly believe that the diverse experiences of women across race, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, faith backgrounds, and other factors—and the challenges they face—must be at the center of the national policy debate.
Congress Must Invest in Maternal Health by Passing the Momnibus
The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 would help address the maternal health crisis in the United States, which disproportionately affects Black and Indigenous people.
All Workers Deserve Access to Paid Family and Medical Leave
A paid family and medical leave program must be national, comprehensive, and inclusive to meet the needs of all workers, their families, and the economy.
The Power of Women of Color in the Global Climate Movement
To celebrate Earth Day, this video recognizes the leadership and contributions of young women of color—such as Vanessa Nakate, founder of the Rise Up Movement—in the climate movement.
CAP Ideas 2019: A Conversation With House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks with Neera Tanden at the 2019 CAP Ideas Conference about the swell of progressive successes in the new House of Representatives and the path forward.
CAP Ideas 2019: Reps. Sharice Davids and Katie Porter on Women Leading in Congress
Reps. Sharice Davids and Katie Porter sat down at the 2019 CAP Ideas Conference to have an honest discussion about how women are leading the charge for progress in U.S. democracy.
