CHICAGO ‒ Those questioning the need for equity among Black women in the workforce should look no further than a 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics’ survey that found they earn just 63 cents for every dollar white men earn, and that they experienced a nearly 5 percent rate of job loss during the pandemic.

In addition to the pay gap, Black women have had to overcome longstanding inequities in education and the labor market to succeed.

As part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to build better jobs and increase pay equity, the department’s Women’s Bureau regional office in Chicago will host a webinar on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon CST entitled, “Advancing Equity for African-American Women in the Workforce.”

Along with presentations from representatives of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Small Business Administration and Chicago Federal Executive Board, the webinar will include discussions about federal resources available to assist Black women in obtaining better job skills, building their careers and exploring avenues to business ownership.

Women’s Bureau partners will share program success stories. Participating partners include Danielle Atkinson, founding director of Mothering Justice; Cherita Ellens, president and CEO of Women Employed; Dorri McWhorter, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Chicago; and Nicole R. Robinson, CEO of the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago.

“The U.S. Department of Labor’s recently announced ‘Good Jobs Initiative’ focuses on connecting the dots between federal agencies, employers and workers. It’s never been more important for us to advance training, employment and return-to-work opportunities that connect women, particularly women of color to higher-wage jobs so that our nation’s economic recovery brings with it greater equity,” said Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon.

The webinar will feature a panel discussion on programs and resources made available by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Labor agencies Job Corps, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Wage and Hour Division, Office of Apprenticeship, Employment & Training Administration, and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Register to attend “Advancing Equity for African-American Women in the Workforce.”  Space is limited.

Learn more about the Women’s Bureau.

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Department of Labor today launched an online dialogue with stakeholders to increase access to Registered Apprenticeships for job seekers in underrepresented communities.

Conversation and ideas shared will help develop and shape future Registered Apprenticeship programs and funding opportunities, and foster diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

“The U.S. Department of Labor encourages stakeholders to share their ideas and best practices for confronting equity challenges in Registered Apprenticeships so we can begin to address the occupational segregation and underrepresentation that people have faced for far too long,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Angela Hanks. “This dialogue is part of an ongoing discussion we need to have to help us diversify and expand the apprenticeship system so that employers, labor partners, workers and students from all communities understand and benefit from Registered Apprenticeships.” 

Co-hosted by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, Office of Disability Employment Policy, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, Wage and Hour Division and Women’s Bureau, the discussion will close Nov. 29, 2021.

The online dialogue furthers the department’s efforts to promote the value of inclusive apprenticeships for job seekers consistent with the aims of National Apprenticeship Week 2021. The dialogue will gather ideas for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility using the following themes:

• Fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in Registered Apprenticeships to increase access by diverse and underrepresented population groups and reduce barriers to entry and success.
• Forming partnerships between government and industry to support diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in Registered Apprenticeships, including for high-growth, high-demand fields.
• Promoting outreach on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in Registered Apprenticeships, including by using social media.

Register and participate in the online dialogue.