Research, grounded in the personal stories of women across the nation, has overwhelmingly shown that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated underlying systemic inequities.

In particular, Latinas in the U.S. have suffered a disproportionate impact on their economic security and health. A study by the American Association of University Women titled 'Pandemic Inequity: Latinas and the COVID-19 Experience' reported that many Latinas faced with job loss, financial instability, and severe mental and physical health repercussions since the start of the pandemic.

In Washington State, a study conducted by the Latino Center for Health out of the University of Washington's School of Social Work echoed national findings that the Latinx community had experienced significantly higher job loss and decreased economic security compared to their white counterparts, with Latinas the hardest hit. 

The study found that throughout the pandemic, the unemployment rate for Latinas had risen at more than double the rate of Latinos; it also found that Latinas had left their job at a rate three times higher than white women, and four times higher than Black women. 

In the words of Irasema Garza, J.D., lead author of the AAUW study: “As we rebuild from the pandemic, we must lift up Latina voices.” Latinas, making up a large portion of the nation’s essential workforce, are a “vital base of support to our nation; their success and that of the U.S. are inextricably linked.”

To address the specific needs of Latinas as we continue to navigate pandemic recovery, the Washington State Women’s Commission is proud to co-host a conversation with the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs and Latina leaders across the state.

Joining us in conversation are our esteemed speakers:

• Antoinette Angulo — Policy Director at the Latino Center for Health
   
• Mary Jo Ybarra-Vega — Outreach & Behavioral Health Coordinator at the Quincy Community Health Center; and
   
• Dr. Miriana Duran, MD, MPH — Research Coordinator at the Department of Health Systems and Population Health at the University of Washington School of Public Health; Data Analyst at the Latino Center for Health

Please join us virtually for this important conversation on April 21, 2022 at 12:00 PM PST. This event will be hosted virtually via Zoom, and is free for all to attend.