Research
OUR RESEARCH
The Women’s Foundation of Oregon works toward a future of gender justice, where gender does not limit a person in any way. The 2017 Count Her In: A Report About Women and Girls in Oregon report was a launching point – the first statewide report interested in gender disparities in Oregon in 20 years. Since then, incredible strides have been made, significant historical actions have been taken, and additional gaps in research, advocacy, resources, and policy have been identified – all of which shape the current sociopolitical cultural context of our communities.
The 2027 Policy, Power & Possibilities: A Ten-Year Gender Justice Update for Oregon report seeks to build upon the 2017 work to meet the current moment. Intentional efforts are being taken with this work to be inclusive of a broad expanse of womanhood and girlhood, across race, class, sexual orientation, disability, cis- and transgender experiences, geography, age and more. Through secondary data analysis and primary data collection and analysis, the work is designed in service to a number of entities:
Women’s Foundation of Oregon to support grant and advocacy priority setting
Grant and program needs of community-based organizations and service providers throughout the state
Federal, state, regional, county and city legislators and officials, with a focus on policy development
The 2027 report will take a deep look at where we are today and where we hope to be in the future.
coming fall 2026
Policy, power & possibilities
A Ten-Year Gender Justice Update for Oregon
COUNT HER IN
We have crunched the numbers. We have traveled the state. We have consulted the experts. We have listened to women in nearly every county. The result is Count Her In: the most expansive, actionable, and inclusive analysis of Oregon’s women and girls to date. This report is a baseline and a call to action, a celebration of resilience, and an opportunity to do things differently for future Oregonians. Above all, Count Her In is an irrefutable imperative for change.
Every day, in ways big and small,
women and girls make
Oregon a great place to live.
eight that can’t wait
The Eight That Can’t Wait discussion series covered key topics related to Gender Justice in Oregon, including wealth, systemic racism, violence, and more. These panels featured research-based conversations with experts in the field.
STATE OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN OREGON - 2025
State of Women and Girls in Oregon
The state of women and girls in Oregon continues to face significant challenges across multiple dimensions, including economic disparities, health inequities, and underrepresentation in critical areas such as leadership and sports. Economic challenges remain persistent, with women, particularly women of color, earning less than their male counterparts and facing barriers to financial independence and economic security. Additionally, healthcare access and outcomes for women, especially for marginalized groups, continue to be marked by disparities, from reproductive health access to mental health services. These challenges are compounded by the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles and key sectors, such as business, politics, and sports, where they continue to face barriers to participation and advancement.
WOMen’s history month toolkit
During Women’s History Month and throughout the year, we invite you to not only reflect on the progress that has been made but to also actively participate in the ongoing journey toward equality. Whether through advocacy, community engagement, or supporting the incredible women-led organizations that are driving change, each of us has a role to play in creating a more just and equitable world.
The toolkit includes:
• Educational materials and historical insights
• Discussion guides and activity ideas
• Advocacy tools to support women’s rights and equity
talking points
Libra Forde, Executive Director of WFO discusses the grant making processes.
Kristen Fraley talks about gender justice and voting rights.