The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia

The 2024 Study on the Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia was motivated by the United Nation’s Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and efforts by the Fairfax County CEDAW Working Group to localize this policy. Working with Fairfax County stakeholders, we were engaged in exploring indicators related to the lives and wellbeing of women and girls. These indicators relate to the Economics, Health, and Work-Life Balance domains. The findings are presented using an intersectional, gender-race-place equity lens. This study aligns with the ethics and priorities of the County as outlined in the One Fairfax Racial and Social Equity Policy and the Countywide Strategic Plan

Indicators about the status of women and girls in Fairfax County do not tell the complete story. Living conditions for women and girls vary based on geography and identity. The differences are illustrated in this report. For example, the gender gap exists for women throughout Fairfax County, taking into account occupational segregation, but the gender gap has more prominent effects on specific populations. The populations include older women and Hispanic, Black, and Native American women, women of two or more races, and women of other races. Girls of color are more likely than white girls to work three or more hours on a school day.

To provide context to the indicators, we held seven community conversations with women and girls. In total, this included 44 women in professional and hourly jobs from diverse backgrounds and 18 girls ages 14-18. The focus of discussions with women was on work-life balance and the advantages of multigenerational support. For teen girls, we were interested in the jobs they hold, their activities, and their goals and aspirations. Their rich stories are important for identifying the challenges and complexities in their lives and point to recommendations that would provide support and help women come closer to achieving equity in pay, health, and ability to balance their lives among their many priorities.

Schroeder J, Wu E, Linehan K, Lanman K, Lancaster V, Shipp S. (2024). The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia. Proceedings of the Biocomplexity Institute, Technical Report. TR# BI-2024-XX, University of Virginia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18130/pmp8-dj12