Women in rural Maine’s Washington County face significant challenges when it comes to earning a living, with the second-highest gender pay gap in the state. Men typically earn more than women, with a gap of $13,736 or 35.4 percent of women’s earnings. This disparity is largely due to the lack of high-paying job opportunities for women, especially those without college degrees, who make up about 71 percent of the workforce in the county.
The impact of the wage gap goes beyond just individual women, affecting virtually every household in the county with a woman. Many women are forced to rely on public assistance for basic needs, but this does not provide long-term financial stability.
However, there are efforts underway to address the wage gap and provide pathways for women to improve their economic situation. Programs like Family Futures Downeast aim to help parents, especially women, attain college degrees and enter higher-paying careers. Since its inception, the program has seen significant success, with parents experiencing a 93 percent increase in wages.
Despite the progress made, there is still a long road ahead to achieving living wages for all participants. Communities in Washington County are working together to address the root causes of the wage gap, such as the undervaluation of essential caregiving roles. By focusing on education and workforce opportunities, women in Washington County are working towards a brighter economic future.
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