USU UWLP publishes fifth of six white papers: Home, Health, Community, and Allyship

The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) at Utah State University has released the fifth of six white papers that shares the results of a comprehensive study conducted earlier this fall. The study supports “A Bolder Way Forward,” a statewide movement focused on ensuring that more Utah girls, women, and their families thrive.

The fifth white paper shares the findings from four topic areas: Home and Family, Health Across the Lifespan, Political and Civic Representation, and Allyship. The 82-item survey, taken from Oct. 1 to Nov. 20, 2024, included a combined sample of 4,721 Utahns, including 1,123 men.

Susan Madsen, UWLP director and Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the USU Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, lead researcher and report author, said for those who want to better understand public perceptions and attitudes regarding women and girls, the 46-page report contains a significant amount of data that can help. Topics covered include home and family life, political and civic leadership, health across the lifespan, and male allyship.

“We invite the public to view the full report,” she said. “This is our second year of data collection, and the report addresses how data may have changed since the initial 2023 survey.”

Home and Family

Four survey items provided additional insights regarding girls, women, and home and family life. Results of these items can guide strategies and initiatives focused on increasing healthy relationships and improving women’s experiences in the family domain, thereby strengthening Utah families.

1. In conflicts, my partner and I have an equal opportunity to express our views and influence the outcome.
2. I feel the load of domestic labor is shared equitably within my home.
3. I feel the load of caregiving is shared equitably within my home.
4. In our relationship, I feel my partner’s sexual needs are more important than my own.

Just over 73% of men agreed on some level that the load of domestic labor is shared equitably, compared to 61% of women. Regarding the equitable load of caregiving, again 73.2% of men agreed on some level, compared to 59.5% of women. The gap between men’s and women’s perceptions of equitable distribution of unpaid work in the home is something to continue to explore, both in the research and as a topic for communication among individual couples as they work to strengthen and improve their relationships.

Health Across the Lifespan

Utah women are less likely than women in other states to seek out preventative healthcare that could detect, address, or otherwise support health-related goals or concerns. Five survey items provided insight to improve women’s health outcomes.

1. It’s likely I will be able to schedule/complete a preventive healthcare visit in the next 12 months.
2. I feel empowered to make informed decisions regarding reproductive health that fit my needs/the needs of my family.
3. I am knowledgeable about perimenopause for women.
4. I feel physically, mentally, and emotionally safe in healthcare settings.
5. It is likely that one of my healthcare providers will screen me for intimate partner violence, and connect me with resources if needed, in the next year.

Of women surveyed, 51.6% strongly agreed that they would have a preventative healthcare visit in the next year, and women over 60 were most likely to agree, with women aged 18-24 least likely to agree. While 67.4% agreed that they were knowledgeable about perimenopause, women who had lived in Utah for fewer than 2 years were more likely to agree than any other residency category. This could indicate that other states may have stronger programs in place to educate women about perimenopause.

Political and Civic Representation

Four survey items explored public perceptions of and barriers to women’s involvement in political and civic leadership. Responses can guide changes at the individual, family, community, and societal levels, having potential to positively impact Utah’s girls, women, and their families.

1. If a woman were to serve in a political role, it would negatively impact her family.
2. Women are well-suited for elected political positions.
3. I understand how to get involved in civic activities.
4. I engage in efforts important to the well-being of my community.

While respondents generally disagreed that serving in a political role would negatively impact a woman’s family, 67% of women disagreed, compared to 47.9% of men. While 77.1% of men agreed that women are well suited for elected positions, only 30.9% of men strongly agreed, compared to 57.8% of women who strongly agreed.

“These numbers indicate an opportunity for Utahns to examine their own unconscious biases,” said Madsen. “The research has and continues to show the benefits of having women leaders. Our local and state governments will be stronger, creative solutions will increase, and Utah families will fare better as men and women lead together.”

Male Allyship

Allyship is defined as actively supporting and advocating for a group without being a member of it. While there is great value in women supporting other women, men who are allies are uniquely positioned to advocate for and elevate women’s opportunities. Four survey items explored public perceptions of men’s willingness and attitudes toward being allies to women in Utah.

1. Men in Utah are supportive of women becoming leaders.
2. Men in Utah are engaged in efforts to have more women in leadership roles.
3. Utah men are interested in supporting women.
4. There are opportunities and resources to help Utah men become better allies for women.

Men generally agreed (57.5%) that they support women becoming leaders. Only 32.9% of women agreed, highlighting an opportunity for both men and women to increase and make more visible male allyship. And while such resources exist, 37.9% of male respondents were unsure of resources to help them become better allies.

“Utah must do better to ensure that everyone thrives,” said Madsen. “As Utah decision-makers and residents join to find ways to strengthen the impact of girls and women, more Utah women and families will feel connected to our state’s well-known mantra: ‘This Is the Place.’ And when more women can feel like ‘This Is Her Place,’ too, we will know Utah is finally becoming a place where women are truly valued.”

Click here to read the full report.