From the 1980s to Today: A Look at Women's Economic Empowerment

AUDRE LORDE IN 1983

As we gear up for our upcoming annual fundraising event, The Power of You 2024, which is 80s themed this year, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the economic conditions that shaped women's empowerment over the past few decades.

In the 1980s, the landscape for women in the workforce was vastly different from what it is today. Women were fighting for equal pay, breaking through glass ceilings, and challenging societal norms about gender roles in the workplace. Despite facing numerous challenges, women made significant strides in economic empowerment during this era.

Fast forward to present day, and while progress has certainly been made, there are still barriers that women continue to face in the workforce. Issues such as the gender pay gap, lack of representation in leadership positions, and workplace discrimination persist, highlighting the ongoing need for organizations like DFSTC to empower women through employment.

To spark conversation and raise awareness about women's economic empowerment, we've created a few quiz questions for The Power of You 2024:

Click on the question to display the answer

1.What was the average cost of groceries in 1985?

On average, each household spent $33.22 per week. Source

Did you know, Minnesotans Made 7.5 Million Visits to Food Shelves in 2023? Learn more about the skyrocketing need for food shelves here.

2.What was the average cost of an egg in the 1980s?

On average, a carton of a dozen eggs was $0.71! Source

Did you know, egg prices reached an average high of $4.82 per carton in 2023? Learn more about the skyrocketing egg prices here.

3. By 1980, how long were women legally allowed to secure a home mortgage approval without a male cosigner?

Just 4 years! Source

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibits discrimination against a loan or credit applicant for reasons related to sex, marital status or familial status (as well as race, religion and other reasons) wasn’t passed until 1974. Learn more here.

4. How much did higher education cost in 1980?

Tuition, fees, room & board at 4-year, public universities cost an average $2,474 for the 1979-80 school year. Source

Did you know, U.S. student loan debt totals $1.74 trillion as of September 2023? Learn more about the student debt crisis here.

5.In 1980, how many households in the US had 3 or more vehicles?

5% of U.S. households in 1980 had 3 or more vehicles, compared to 2.5% in 1960. Source

Did you know, more than 60 percent of American households currently cannot afford to buy a new car, based on Census data? Learn more here.

6.How much did the average prescription medication cost in 1986?

In 1986, prescriptions cost an average $14.36. Source

Did you know, income inequality is just one of the factors that make women especially vulnerable to medical debt? Learn more here.

We hope these questions provide a glimpse into the economic conditions that have shaped women's empowerment over the past few decades. Together, let's continue to work towards a future where all women have equal opportunities to thrive in the workforce.

Stay tuned for more updates on The Power of You 2024, and thank you for your continued support in empowering women through employment.