USU UWLP Study Shows Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women

1. Education and Training. These were the most cited opportunities for Utah women and girls (37.5%). Many respondents expressed support for women pursuing formal education and training and called for help accessing financial assistance or low-cost/free tuition. One respondent said, “Education of girls and young women is the key. Through education, women have the opportunity to rethink outdated roles and paradigms so they can come to see themselves as powerful agents.” 

2. Work and Employment Options. These were the next most-cited opportunities (29%). Respondents called for more employers in Utah to adopt family-friendly policies to better support parents. They highlighted the importance of parental leave, scheduling flexibility, equal access to advancement and higher-paying jobs, and on-site childcare. One person commented, “The key opportunity moving forward is to create workplace cultures through flexible schedules, equitable advancement policies, and inclusive leadership development programs that reflect women’s lived realities.” 

3. Embrace Potential. One in five respondents (21.1%) mentioned encouraging Utah girls and women to embrace their potential by believing in themselves, acknowledging their abilities, and taking control of their destinies. Some noted the importance of financial literacy, calling on girls and women to seize existing opportunities to build it so they can become self-sufficient and independent. Many participants believe there is considerable support for women and girls wanting to own businesses or become entrepreneurs. 

4. Support Women in Leadership and Public Office. Respondents supported more women becoming leaders, including running for and being elected to public office (16.3%). One participant wrote, “Female role models show girls what is possible and encourage them to aim for big goals, and they provide examples that make pursuing dreams feel achievable.” 

5. Support Personal Choices. Many commented on the need for those in their lives to support their personal choices (13.2%). One respondent stated, “Personal choice support: Whether it is being a mother, pursuing a career, or a combination of both, there is a growing recognition of the need to support personal choices.” 

6. Increase Awareness of Community Resources/Support. These were cited by 9.6% of respondents. Also noted were increasing community resources that provide education and support on abuse, violence, consent, safe dating, mental health, and reproductive health. 

7. Connect/Work Together for Change. These were cited by 8.5% of those surveyed. “Women build differently, and that is the opportunity,” said one. “We build through community, intuition, creativity, collaboration, and connection. Our way is not linear or hierarchical, and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.” 

In addition to these seven categories, other opportunities were noted. Some identified Utah’s growing economy as a resource that brings more diverse perspectives to the state. Others viewed sports and outdoor recreation as valuable opportunities. 

“By identifying and understanding the opportunities noted in the study, we hope to focus our efforts and resources on the common good of supporting women,” Madsen said. “When we strengthen the impact of Utah girls and women, we strengthen everyone.” 

April Townsend, research associate, Utah Women & Leadership Project, co-authored the report. 

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The “A Bolder Way Forward” initiative provides opportunities for Utahns to learn and contribute to meaningful change across 18 areas of focus. The UWLP is affiliated with USU Extension.