Gender Equity / Public News Service

When they convene for the 2025 session, New Mexico and neighboring Colorado will become majority-woman legislatures for the first time. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

NM 2025 Legislature makes history with number of women lawmakers

New Mexico's 2025 Legislature will make history next week, convening with the largest percentage of women in the U.S., based on its total number of …

In a newly released book, Adriana Romero Olivares, assistant professor of biology at New Mexico State University, shared her not-so-perfect journey to a science career. (NMSU)

NM biology professor's success recognized in award-winning book

A New Mexico professor who was once encouraged to pursue a "more ladylike" career is now featured in a book about high-achieving women in STEM fields…

In South Dakota, 68% of missing persons are Native Americans even though they only make up 9% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Resource gaps cloud efforts on cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In South Dakota, the push to secure justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women remains …

Only four Black women have been elected to the U.S. Senate, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks, Connecticut Senator-elect Lisa Blunt Rochester and former Illinois Senator Carol Moseley Braun. (Maryland GovPics/ Wikimedia Commons)

Maryland in top 10 for number of women state legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures across the U.S. in 2025. That's a new record, according to the Center for American Women and …

In 2020, Pennsylvania reported more than 32,000 abortions, with providers documenting only 239 cases that involved medical complications. (Longfin Media/Adobe Stock) <br />

PA advocates stand firm on reproductive health access

President-elect Donald Trump's second term has some Pennsylvania health care providers and legal experts voicing concern about potential changes to ab…

Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari was also elected as Democratic 'Freshman Class' President for the U.S. House of Representatives. (Yassamin Ansari )

Report: AZ ranks second for number of women as legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025. That's a new record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at …

In 2023, 1.3 million people around the world newly acquired HIV, more than three times higher than the global target set for 2025 of no more than 370,000. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado commemorates World AIDS Day

Coloradans gathered at Park Hill United Methodist Church in Denver on Sunday to mark World AIDS Day - joining people around the globe to show support …

By 2022, eight out of 10 people living with HIV in Wisconsin were virally suppressed and unable to transmit the virus, according to the Wisconsin Dept. of Human Services. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

World AIDS Day sheds light on prevalence in Wisconsin

This weekend, people around the world united for World AIDS Day - to show support for those living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In …

On the day after the Nov. 5th election, Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide reported a 1200% increase in scheduled vasectomy appointments and a 350% increase in birth control implant appointments. (Adobe Stock) <br />

New England clinics see post-election spike in contraceptive requests

Health clinics in New England and elsewhere are coping with a sharp uptick in requests for long-acting contraceptives in the wake of the election…

Following the Nov. 5th election, Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide reported a 760% increase in IUD appointments scheduled and a 350% increase in birth control implant appointments. (Adobe Stock)

Post-election contraceptive requests increase at ME clinics

Health clinics in Maine and elsewhere are coping with a sharp uptick in requests for long-acting contraceptives in the wake of the election. …

About 90% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics, according to The Trevor Project.(Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ folks in Nevada, nationwide concerned about next Trump presidency

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nevada and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety…

Education groups say censorship of course content by the UNT Administration is an example of extreme overcompliance with SB 17. (Adobe Stock)

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

Educators across the state are watching the University of North Texas, as the school denies it overstepped the parameters of Senate Bill 17. The …

Companies tolerating abusive bosses are vulnerable to costly lawsuits. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Financially stressed managers abusing workers

Researchers at Colorado State University have been able to link the economic stress experienced by 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck…

Five of its six neighboring states have fewer restrictive laws on reproductive care than South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

SD keeps abortion ban, but 'the landscape is changing'

A majority of South Dakotans have voted to maintain a strict abortion ban but other factors are shifting the landscape for reproductive care in the st…

Some 43% of of municipal officeholders are women in Oregon, compared to 32% nationwide. (Dog Paw Productions/Adobe Stock)

Report: More OR women are running for office and winning

Oregon has the third highest percent of women in city government, according to a new report from Rutgers University. It may be proof of the success …

Moms of young children remain vastly underrepresented in state capitols across the country, according to the Vote Mama Foundation. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Breaking down barriers to seeking political office in New Mexico

In politics, money talks and the barrier makes it tough for the average person to run for office and still harder in New Mexico. State legislators …

Amendment E would change language in South Dakota's state Constitution regarding positions including lieutenant governor, Supreme Court justices, circuit court judges and the governor, as well as terms for groups of people, including

SD’s Amendment E about 'celebrating women'

South Dakota voters will soon decide on Amendment E, which would adjust language in the state Constitution for certain officeholders. Amendment E …

The survey shows that because of Texas abortion laws many OB/GYN physicians and resident physicians are considering or have made changes to their practices that reduce the availability of OB/GYN care in the state. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

A recent survey of OB/GYNs in the state shows that doctors are concerned and confused by Texas' abortion ban. 76% of doctors surveyed say they feel …

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

Around 36% of transgender Arkansans who responded to a survey reported being fired, being denied a <br />promotion or experiencing some other form of mistreatment related to their gender identity or expression. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Transgender Arkansans report discrimination at work

According to experts, a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice and equally good for a company's bottom line but reluctance to …

Drag shows are currently banned in Montana and Tennessee. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

TX LGBTQ community fights back against drag show bans

By Nico Lang for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service Collaboration In …

A Siena College poll showed Democrats support the state's Equal Rights Amendment 89-7% and independents support it 64-23% but Republicans oppose it 55-32%. (Adobe Stock)

Equal Rights Amendment on NY ballot despite challenges

New Yorkers will vote on the state's Equal Rights Amendment in November. Proposition 1 enshrines protections against discrimination based on age…

In 2022, fewer than 40% of workers with incomes below the federal poverty threshold earned paid sick leave compared with 77% of those with earnings at least four times the federal poverty threshold. (nicoletaionescu/Adobe Stock)

250,000 Nebraskans stand to benefit from paid sick-leave ballot initiative

Nebraska is one of three states with paid sick leave on the ballot next month. Nebraska women are disproportionately affected by a lack of paid sick …

The average person's struggle to distinguish between true and false online information now extends beyond voting to health, well-being and civic life. (nicoletaionescu/Adobe Stock)

America's 'era of misinformation' not exclusive to elections, voting

Wading through misinformation these days is not exclusive to voting rights and rules - but also can cause confusion about health, well-being…

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Marcos/AdobeStock)

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun. (State Fair of Texas)

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Big Tex is up and the Ferris wheel is spinning at the 138th State Fair of Texas. And again, this year the Fair is making special accommodations for …

Last year, nearly 20,000 teens turned 18 or 21 and aged out of foster care without a permanent home. <br />(Rido/Adobe Stock)

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

It's a week to celebrate kids, with National Daughters Day today and National Sons Day on Saturday. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is …

A bill in Olympia this year sought to promote

Automated employment decision tools could harbor biases

A legal expert has issued a warning that artificial intelligence tools could lead to discriminatory practices in hiring and firing. Algorithms and …

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling for Citizens United in 2010, a handful of wealthy donors have dominated electoral giving and spending in America's political campaigns. (AddMeshCube/Adobe Stock)

Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's

A new analysis of money contributed to 2024 congressional candidates showed women contribute about as frequently as men but dollar amounts are signifi…

Community health workers provide a trust-based relational framework for addressing nonmedical health drivers of health and connecting families to medical resources and social services. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Central Texas nonprofit addresses health inequities for new moms

A program in Georgetown, in Williamson County, is working to improve health outcomes for low-income residents by helping them gain access to …

Texas educators said they want democratic representation and a voice in decision-making as-well-as professional training and development. (shootsroom/Adobe Stock)

TX educators prepare for upcoming legislative session

Texas educators spent the summer in meetings and workshops devising a playbook for the upcoming Texas legislative session. The Educator's Bill of …

The 2024 Indiana Girl Report emphasized actionable steps for families and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of Hoosier girls. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

A new report highlighted girls in Indiana face higher rates of bullying and sexual dating violence compared to boys. The 2024 Indiana Girl Report…

The poll finds unmarried women are most worried about housing costs (50%), losing rights (46%), and unaffordable taxes (46%), with 57% believing Democrats are more likely to address these issues.(Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Power of unmarried women may shape Ohio's 2024 vote

In Ohio, the upcoming election could hinge on the voting patterns of unmarried women younger than 55, a group that's proving to be a key demographic …

The group submitted more than 101,000 signatures. If they had all been verified it would have been enough to put the measure on the ballot. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

AR abortion rights advocates say they are not giving up

Now that the Arkansas Supreme Court has denied a petition to put an abortion rights measure on the November ballot, proponents for women's …

Two of the five New Mexico Supreme Court justices are women, as are seven of the 10 Court of Appeals judges. (mehaniq41/AdobeStock)

Demystifing campaign finance effects on NM's female candidates

When it comes to getting elected to statewide offices, women candidates face a disadvantage, a new study shows. Historically, many women haven't been …

While four of the five Ohio Democratic incumbents running for reelection to the U.S. House are women, there are no women of any party running for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat. (Ayman Haykal/Adobe Stock)

Financial inequality undermines women’s political voice in Ohio

In Ohio, women's political voices are facing a significant challenge, as a new analysis by the Center for American Women and Politics revealed a …

Although abortion access is currently legal in Wyoming, there is only one clinic performing procedural abortions and one providing medication abortions. (Adobe Stock)

WY judge expected to make decision on abortion case

A Wyoming district judge is expected to decide a case over a state law which would ban abortions with few exceptions. The "Life is a Human Right …

Vice President Kamala Harris gives remarks at a reception celebrating Black History Month. (Lawrence Jackson/The White House)

Black women ramp up political organizing in VA, swing states

Black women are ramping up their political organizing efforts in Virginia and other swing states across the country. It's a key demographic for …

More than half of single parents in Wyoming earn less than $17 per hour, according to an Oxfam America report. (Adobe Stock)

More than 1 in 4 WY workers would benefit from higher minimum wage

More than 80,000 Wyoming workers would benefit from an increased minimum wage, according to a new report. Wyoming is one of 16 states where …

When wages are lifted, families benefit, too. Nearly 40% of single parents in New Hampshire earn less than $17 per hour, according to Oxfam America. (Adobe Stock)

NH care workers would benefit from higher federal minimum wage

More than 130,000 New Hampshire workers would benefit from a raise in the federal minimum wage, according to a new report. It includes the more than …

New Mexico is among the top 10 states where women hold a significant number of seats in the state Legislature. (Eldon/Adobe Stock)

Harris proves exception as fewer women seek office in 2024

Earlier this year, Mexico elected the first woman president in the country's 200-year history, and Kamala Harris hopes to duplicate that milestone in …

In Maryland, more than 48% of tipped workers make less than $17 an hour. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

New report measures benefits of MD’s 2024 minimum wage increase

Many Maryland workers are benefiting from the minimum wage increase that went into effect at the beginning of this year. But a new report from Oxfam …

Statistics show women vote at a higher rate than men. (Richard Miller/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofit works to get more women engaged in elections

As the general election in November gets closer, more Americas are showing interest in getting involved in the electoral process. There is a new …

Wyoming ranks 47th in the nation for coverage, access and affordability of women's health and reproductive care, according to a new Commonwealth Fund scorecard. (Adobe Stock)

Report: WY ranks low on women’s access to health and reproductive care

Wyoming ranks 42nd in the U.S. for women's health and reproductive care, according to a new report - and some are urging lawmakers to make changes…

President Joe Biden is expected to address the nation this week about his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race and endorse his Vice President, Kamala Harris. (Wiki commons)

NM professor expects VP Harris to face racism, sexism after Biden drops out

Vice President Kamala Harris is now the frontrunner for the 2024 Democratic Presidential nomination after, President Joe Biden exited the race on …

A study from Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research showed the need for better pay to attract and keep child care workers. (Adobe stock)

High childcare costs hinder women's workforce participation in Indiana

A new study from Ball State University's Center for Business and Economic Research revealed how child care availability and costs affect women's workf…

If implemented, Project 2025 would make it legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and delete terms including

Civil rights groups sound alarm on Project 2025

Civil rights groups are sounding the alarm about potential threats to American democracy posed by Project 2025, a roadmap created by the Heritage …

As universities begin implementing a new tenure law, debate continues over its potential effects on academic freedom and the preparation of future educators in Indiana. (Adobe stock)

New IN law requires five-year tenure reviews of professors

With just over a month before Indiana university students return, a new law affecting college professor tenures is in full effect. The law targets …

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