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Landmark Report on Workplace Inequities for Black Women in California

On March 6, 2025, the California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute (CABWCEI) unveiled a groundbreaking report titled Invisible Labor, Visible Struggles: The Intersections of Race, Gender, and Workplace Equity for Black Women in California. Authored by Dr. Sharon Uche and Kellie Todd Griffin, the report delves into the systemic challenges that Black women encounter in their professional lives and calls for urgent action to address these injustices.

Overview of the Study

Conducted in partnership with EVITARUS, this study surveyed 452 employed Black women across California. The findings reveal a concerning reality characterized by workplace discrimination, significant wage disparities, microaggressions, and a notable lack of access to leadership positions. The psychological impact of navigating these inequities is palpable, demonstrating the urgent need for corporate and policy reform.

Kellie Todd Griffin, the President and CEO of CABWCEI, emphasized the urgency of the report, stating, "For decades, Black women have served as the backbone of industries and communities, yet we remain undervalued, underpaid, and overlooked in the workplace. This report is not just data; it is a call to action that demands meaningful policies, corporate accountability, and consequential systemic change to create equitable workplaces."

Key Findings

1. Widespread Discrimination: 60% of respondents reported facing workplace racism or discrimination within the past year. This has detrimental effects on their career growth and overall job satisfaction.
2. Lack of Leadership Representation: Only 21% of Black women believe they have substantial opportunities for advancement within California's job market, highlighting a significant gender and racial gap in leadership roles.
3. Pay Inequity: Despite holding similar positions and qualifications, Black women earn considerably less than their White and male counterparts.
4. Mental Health and Workplace Culture: Over half of the women surveyed felt undervalued at work, with 57% perceiving exclusion from critical opportunities due to racial and gender bias.

Moving from Data to Action

CABWCEI is urging policymakers, corporate leaders, and community organizations to implement significant changes, which include:

• - Legislative Action: Enforce pay equity, expand anti-discrimination protections, and ensure workplace accountability.
• - Corporate Responsibility: Advocate for transparent hiring and promotion policies, invest in leadership development for Black women, and eradicate bias from workplace culture.
• - Community Investment: Fund initiatives supporting Black women entrepreneurs and enhance economic security within Black families.

Griffin stated, "The era of performative allyship has concluded. This report outlines a clear path for employers, legislators, and advocates looking to enact real, measurable steps toward equity. For Black women to thrive as drivers of workplace success, we must be granted the dignity, compensation, and advancement opportunities we rightfully deserve."

Recommendations for Reform

The report proposes several key initiatives aimed at addressing the highlighted issues:

1. Strengthening Wage Equity: Implement the Black Women's Pay Equity Act, requiring annual pay audits based on race, gender, and job classification, with penalties imposed on non-compliant companies.
2. Expanding Anti-Discrimination Protections: Enhance the CROWN Act by mandating that California companies integrate anti-hair discrimination policies into their training programs.
3. Promotion of Leadership Opportunities: Introduce the Black Women's Leadership Pipeline Act, compelling companies to report on the representation of Black women in senior roles and encouraging mentorship programs.
4. Childcare Support: Establish childcare stipends for Black women professionals to reduce barriers to career advancement.

The full report, along with further detailed legislative and non-legislative proposals, can be accessed at CABWCEI's official website.

About CABWCEI

The California Black Women's Collective Empowerment Institute is a nonprofit organization focused on empowering Black women and girls politically, socially, and economically across California. Through research and advocacy, they aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create successful pathways for Black women at all societal levels.

For media inquiries, contact Charles Williams at CABWCEI at 818-266-7624 or via email at [email protected].