New Report Reveals the Struggles Black Women Face in California’s Workplaces – and What Needs to Change
Magazine, The Immigrant Experience
A new report from the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) has uncovered some hard truths about the challenges Black women face in the workplace across California. Titled Invisible Labor, Visible Struggles: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Workplace Equity for Black Women in California, the study reveals just how deep-rooted the barriers to success are for Black women in the workforce. These findings were shared in a Zoom news conference hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media, with insightful discussions from key leaders like Kellie Todd Griffin, President & CEO of CABWCEI, and Dr. Shakari Byerly of EVITARUS, the research firm behind the study.
Key Findings from the Report
The study surveyed 452 employed Black women in California and found some truly alarming data. Here’s what stood out:
- 57% of Black women experienced racism or discrimination at work within the past year.
- Nearly half (48%) felt excluded from career advancement opportunities.
- Only 16% felt leadership and advancement opportunities were available to them.
- 38% reported being unfairly judged by their supervisors or bosses.
- Many of the women also pointed to wage disparities, microaggressions, and racial beauty standards as major hurdles they face.
These numbers paint a grim picture: despite progress, Black women still face challenges that hold them back from reaching their full potential at work.
The Emotional and Mental Toll
In addition to the financial and professional barriers, the study also revealed how workplace discrimination affects Black women’s mental health. Dr. Shakari Byerly shared that 74% of those who faced discrimination identified their race as the primary reason. Black women working in healthcare and government reported the highest levels of bias, where they often faced exclusion from leadership roles and were stereotyped as “angry Black women.”
Many participants described their workplace cultures as toxic, with little mentorship and no clear path for advancement. This creates an environment where Black women are constantly fighting against obstacles, not just to succeed, but simply to be treated fairly.
Insights from Glenda Gill: A Broader Perspective
Glenda Gill, President & CEO of Save A Girl, Save A World, added some important context to the conversation. Her organization focuses on mentoring young Black women, particularly those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and preparing them for the workforce. She emphasized that while there has been progress in terms of education and entrepreneurship, systemic barriers remain.
“Despite all the progress, we haven’t moved the needle much,” Gill said. “Systemic barriers still exist for Black women, even in a progressive state like California.”
Gill shared some important statistics: Black women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce and as entrepreneurs, making up 53% of the workforce in Black-owned businesses. However, wage gaps and discrimination still stand in the way of their full economic potential.
She also pointed out that many young Black women, frustrated by these ongoing barriers, are turning to entrepreneurship to create their own work environments, instead of trying to break into traditional workplaces. While this shift is empowering, Gill stressed that we still need to work for real change within institutional structures to ensure that workplaces are fair and inclusive.
“If we improve the experiences of Black women, we improve it for everyone,” she said, calling for stronger coalition-building between marginalized groups to push for change.
What Needs to Change: Policy Recommendations
The study highlights several critical areas where policy changes could make a real difference. Kellie Todd Griffin, the CEO of CABWCEI, emphasized that these solutions not only aim to address the unique challenges faced by Black women but also have the potential to improve conditions for all workers. “When we improve the workplace for Black women, we improve it for everyone,” she stated.
Here are the key recommendations that came from the report:
1. Equal Pay and Economic Security
One of the most pressing issues is the wage gap. Black women earn, on average, $40,000 less per year than their White male counterparts. The report calls for stronger enforcement of equal pay policies to ensure Black women can achieve financial security.
2. End Discrimination and Harassment
The report calls for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. Black women often face racial and gender bias, which limits their opportunities for career advancement. Making sure that these biases are addressed and eliminated is key to creating a more equal workplace.
3. Promote Leadership and Career Growth
Black women need more opportunities for mentorship and leadership development. The study recommends investing in programs that help Black women rise to leadership positions. By creating these pathways, we can help break down the barriers that prevent Black women from advancing in their careers.
4. Access to Affordable Childcare
The study points out that 67% of Black households in California are headed by single mothers. The availability of affordable, state-funded childcare is crucial for helping Black women remain in the workforce and advance professionally. Investing in childcare would allow more Black women to pursue better-paying jobs and improve their economic standing.
5. Ensure Safe Workplaces—Physically and Emotionally
It’s not enough for workplaces to just be physically safe; they need to be emotionally safe as well. The study emphasizes the need for stronger workplace policies to address harassment, microaggressions, and toxic cultures that disproportionately affect Black women.
6. Address Hair Discrimination
The report also brings attention to hair discrimination, a common issue for Black women in the workplace. The CROWN Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against natural hair, is a step forward. However, many companies continue to find ways around it, and the report calls for stronger enforcement of this law and corporate training to prevent hair discrimination.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The findings of this report are a clear call for action. Employers, industries, and policymakers must recognize and address the systemic inequities Black women face in the workplace. These changes aren’t just necessary for Black women—they’ll benefit all employees by fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment for everyone.
As Kellie Todd Griffin said, “When we improve the experiences of Black women, we improve it for everyone.” This is an opportunity for employers and lawmakers to take meaningful steps toward a more equitable and thriving workforce.
For more information on the full report and the proposed policy recommendations, visit the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute’s website.
Together, we can create a fairer, more equitable future for Black women in California and beyond.
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