IWPR Unveils State Policy Action Lab to Advance Gender Equity Efforts Nationwide

IWPR Introduces State Policy Action Lab

On June 16, 2025, the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) launched a groundbreaking initiative named the State Policy Action Lab, commonly referred to as State PAL. This dynamic platform serves as a vital resource for enhancing gender equity across the United States. With over 100 gender equity indicators and legislative tracking for nearly 500 bills, State PAL aims to empower users with actionable insights to drive meaningful policy change.

The Need for State PAL

According to Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, the president and CEO of IWPR, recent threats to data accessibility and funding for critical datasets underscore the urgency for such tools. "State PAL is designed as a living resource that withstands these pressures, ensuring that data remains in the hands of advocates fighting for change," she stated.

As state legislatures grow more influential in shaping policies related to gender equity, State PAL equips researchers, advocates, and policymakers with essential tools fostering evidence-based decision-making. This is particularly crucial for efforts targeting paid leave, bodily autonomy, and the ongoing fight against the gender wage gap.

A Tool for Change

Annette Taylor, the Chair of the North Carolina Council for Women, emphasized the importance of IWPR's research in understanding the challenges women face in North Carolina. She noted, "We rely on IWPR's insights to advocate for changes in our state, highlighting where we stand in our progress towards equity. If women are facing barriers, identifying these obstacles is crucial, and data helps us address them."

Historical Context

Building on nearly thirty years of work, State PAL expands the legacy of IWPR’s Status of Women in the States series initiated in 1996. This landmark series has continuously provided in-depth reports on women's economic, health, and social circumstances, revealing both advancements and persistent gaps.

Louise Myrland, vice president of programs at The Women's Foundation of Colorado, shared her experience leveraging IWPR's findings. "Their reports were instrumental in passing the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act in Colorado. We developed a strong, data-driven case to lawmakers demonstrating that closing these gaps could yield substantial economic benefits. State PAL will undoubtedly inform our future advocacy efforts."

Features of State PAL

State PAL offers an updated and interactive data dashboard that focuses on four key areas:
1. Caregiving and Families
2. Education and Career Advancement
3. Equitable Work and Wages
4. Reproductive Justice and Health Equity

Users can keep track of legislative changes in real-time through an integrated tracker, allowing for filtering by specific issues or state comparisons. This capability enables researchers and advocates to construct compelling narratives supported by data, beneficial for media engagements and policy discussions.

Additionally, State PAL introduces the Hotline for Equity Resources (HER), a dedicated support channel for stakeholders seeking expert guidance on data interpretation and technical assistance.

Conclusion

The launch of State PAL marks a significant step forward in the quest for gender equity. By centralizing critical data and legislative information, IWPR provides the tools necessary for advocates and policymakers to pursue informed, effective changes benefitting women and families across the country. As more individuals harness this resource, the hope is to ignite further momentum towards achieving gender equity in all aspects of society.