May 14, Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

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5/20/2014 May 14, 2014 Table of Contents The current and immediate past members of the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to the

1 5/20/2014 May 14, 2014 Table of Contents The current and immediate past members of the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to the following groups and individuals for their support and assistance with ensuring the completion of the Broward County Assessment of Women s Needs. Broward County Board of Commissioners 1 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

2 We would like to thank the following people for their support and assistance in ensuring the completion of the Broward County assessment of women s needs report: Broward County Board of Commissioners Axum Management Capabilities, Inc., Andrea McDowell JohnBaptiste, past CSW chair Beth Lerner, past CSW chair Iyana Henderson, Dillard High School (Volunteer) Mweza JohnBaptiste, Plantation High School (Volunteer) Lynette Jones, Broward County Barbara McGovern, Board Coordinator Members of the CSW Needs Assessment Committee and Communications Committee The Office of Public Communications, Broward County Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary page 2 2. About the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) page 3 3. Survey Design and Data Collection Methodology page 3 4. Broward County Demographics page 4 5. Key Findings page 4 6. Recommendations page 6 Executive Summary The Broward County Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) conducted a Needs Assessment Survey in Key findings show that women reported barriers to receiving affordable housing, childcare, dental, health and vision, and legal services. Women identified financial assistance as their greatest need, followed by employment, education, legal and foreclosure assistance and adult care giving respectively. A quarter or 25% of respondents indicated that they have experienced gender discrimination and 85% of women indicated that they did not believe that women in the county were equally paid for their work as their male counterparts. 75% of women think that women in Broward are not taken as seriously as men. 55% of the women surveyed believe that women in the county do not have adequate access to employment, and 12% expressed an interest in running for political office but over 65% did not know how. Recommendations address equal pay, employment, running for office and childcare. 2 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

3 About the Commission on the Status of Women The purpose of the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women is to: Serve in an advisory capacity to the Broward County Commission, the community and governmental and non-governmental subdivisions in Broward County, in respect to all matters pertaining to the status of women. Conduct studies of existing county institutions, facilities, services and programs dealing with women or affecting women and, considering the future needs of the county, formulate and recommend plans and programs for dealing with the unique concerns and needs of women in the Mission Statement: community. The board serves as a medium to bring about understanding and solution of the many complex problems involving women in the community. The CSW Board shall be dedicated to identifying and making recommendations for enhancing economic health, social and other issues concerning women s lives through education and advocacy. The 18-member CSW Board, appointed by Broward County Commissioners, is dedicated to: Improving the status of women in Broward collaboration to inspire community County action that positively affects Advocating legislative and administrative action to promote equality for women women. Creating awareness of women s needs, contributions and potential of all women Seeking new expanded services for women in education, child care, employment, housing, social concerns, criminal justice, finance, marriage, families and more Survey Design and Data Collection Methodology The Broward County Commission on the Status of Women is dedicated to advancing gender equality; empowering women in achieving their fullest potential; eliminating barriers to that achievement; recognizing women s accomplishments; and initiating In 2012, the Broward County CSW embarked on the survey to assess the needs of the county s female residents. The survey tool was created by the CSW s Needs Assessment Committee with input from all members of the board. Women residents of Broward County of all ages, economic backgrounds and sexual orientation were targeted respondents. The last indepth study conducted by the CSW occurred in 1987 and resulted in wage parity for female county employees. As Broward County has experienced 3 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

4 significant population growth and increased race and ethnic diversity, the CSW designed this survey as one intended to gather baseline data to be used to identify gender specific trends. Questions were designed to elicit information regarding feelings of gender equality and to identify unmet needs of Broward County. Respondents were also able to self-identify their demographics relative to race, city of residents, household size and income. Of the 28 questions on the needs assessment survey, 22 were closed, 5 were open-ended, and 1 based on Likert ratings of: Strongly Agree; Agree, Unsure; Disagree; Strongly Disagree. Printed copies of the survey were distributed in-person and others were distributed electronically. Surveys were distributed at community events, through the CSW website, via Broward County newsletters and through contact lists belonging to members of the CSW. Distribution occurred for over 13 months; yielding responses from 894 women. Survey rate of response is reflective of approximately.9% of the county s female populous. High school and community volunteers and members of the CSW entered data responses into Survey Monkey. Data entry occurred for approximately six months. Preliminary findings were presented to the CSW in November 2013 for feedback and recommendations. As such, survey responses and recommendations are being shared with the Board of Broward County Commissioners to increase their awareness of issues affecting their female constituents. A cursory review of Broward County demographics allows for comparative analysis of the county s populous relative to the demographics of survey respondents. This allows for planning of subsequent surveys and helps to fine-tune targets. Broward County Demographics According to 2012 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 51.4% of Broward residents are female; meaning there are over 9.3 million girls and women living in Broward. Approximately 55% of Broward residents are between 18 and 64 years old, and 15% are 65 years or older. Broward County s median household income is $51,603. Approximately 42% of Broward residents are white, 28% Black or African American, 27% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Asian and less than 1% Native American and/or Pacific Islander data from Broward-by-the-Numbers show that approximately 22% of all Broward households are headed by women. Broward County s average household is comprised of three people. In May 2013, the Broward Regional Health Planning Council released the 2013 Broward County Health Plan. It showed that families with a female head of household with no husband present have a poverty rate at 24.8%. The rate increases to 31.9% if there are related children under 18 years of age in the household. Key Findings: Demographics: 45% of respondents were 18 to 50 years old and 55% identified as 50 years or older. 49% reported household incomes of $55,000 per annum or less. 4 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

5 40% respondents identified themselves as Black; 45% Caucasian; 8% Hispanic; 3% Asian and 4% Other. *Note: Household incomes for respondents were aligned with U.S. Census 2010 data. Respondents represented 53 of Broward s 88 zip codes. A high number of respondents represented 33319, 33024, 33309, 33311, 33312, zip codes. While all 31 municipalities were represented, high numbers of respondents self-identified as living in Lauderhill, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines and Hollywood. Respondents indicated 1 to 5 members in their households. Approximately 40% indicated two-person households, 35% indicated three persons in their households and 20% households of 4 or more and 5 people as sole residents. 93% indicated English as a primary language, 3% identified Spanish as their primary language. Less than 2% reported Creole, Portuguese and other languages. 26% of those surveyed reported being unemployed. Of those reporting unemployment, 21% indicated that they could not find work, 6% indicated they choose to stay home with their children, could not find childcare or were serving an adult caregiver. 63% were retired. 53% of those employed reported full-time employment. 72% identified themselves as public servants, 50% as business owners/self e-employed. Less than 2% of respondents identified as having less than a high school diploma and 4% indicated vocation and technical certifications. Over 60% of the women surveyed identified themselves as having an undergraduate or graduate degree. 70% identified themselves as mothers. Key Responses: 54% of women believe that the achievements of women are recognized in Broward County. 25% indicated that while living in Broward County they have experienced discrimination because of gender. 85% of women indicated that they did not believe that women in the county were equally paid for their work as their male counterparts. 75% of women believe that women in Broward are not taken as seriously as men. 55% of the women surveyed believed that women in the county do not have adequate access to employment. While living in Broward County, women reported the following experiences: 10% reported experiencing Domestic Violence 5% experienced Homelessness 2% Incarceration 5 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

6 7% Fetal or Infant Loss 12% of women respondents indicated an interest in running for political office and 67% of those interested noted that they were unaware of the process and requirements. Relative response rates showed that women believed that there were barriers to accessing affordable services as follows: Ranked by order of importance 1. Affordable Housing 2. Affordable Childcare 3. Affordable Dental care 4. Affordable Health & Vision Care 5. Affordable Legal Services Women reported a need for assistance as follows: Ranked by order of importance 1. Financial 2. Employment 3. Education 4. Legal & Foreclosure Assistance 5. Adult Care Giving Services Recommendations In response to the key findings of the Needs Assessment Survey, the CSW recommends the following: Equal Pay Recommendations: Bid Process: County bid process should include an evaluation component for providing equal pay for equal work to men and women. Broward County Commission, as a leader in promoting equal rights, to take a position in supporting the current ERA bills before Congress. Access to Employment Recommendation: 55% of survey respondents believe they do not have adequate access to employment, 75% said women are not taken seriously, and the majority indicated that there is not equal pay. Based on this, a recommendation can be made to the Commissioners to reach out to the Workforce Development Board and the State of Florida to examine this issue. Recommendation on Women Aspiring to Political Office: Establishment of a Civics Academy in Broward County for young women; the County Commission may consider partnering with other civic organizations. Childcare Recommendations: 6 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

7 1. Employers in Broward County government to work with the Childcare Executive Partnership Program to assist those employees who meet the income eligibility guidelines for childcare. 2. Companies who want to do business with the county to provide a childcare supplement/credit as part of their employee benefit package. 7 Commission on the Status of Women: Needs Assessment.

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