These are the top perceived challenges for Utah women and girls, according to a survey

Lack of recognition, sexism, bias, discrimination, gendered expectations, economic insecurity and a deeply ingrained religious culture are among Utah women’s biggest perceived challenges, a survey from Utah State University’s Utah Women and Leadership Project found.

The major challenge, according to 42% of respondents of a perceived challenge survey, is a lack of recognition for women and girls’ skills, talents and expertise. The study received comments expressing the perception that women are often not viewed as equals with men in the state and are also seen as being in a lower status.

“Women and girls from a very early age are taught in this state that their very existence is substandard to men,” one of the commenters wrote.

Others shared that sentiment, adding there is gender bias in the state and beliefs that reinforce gender stereotypes. 

“Until we are seen as equal partners in the home, at work, and on the steps of the legislature, change will be slow and arduous,” another respondent said.

The survey was conducted in the fall of 2023 with over 3,500 participants, including 2,433 who offered more detailed thoughts on the greatest challenges women and girls face in Utah. 

Utah women and girls are not thriving in critical areas, according to the Utah Women and Leadership Project study. The Beehive state continues to have high levels of domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse and gender-based discrimination, the study reads, citing Utah State University research exploring the status of women and girls in the state.

“Utah also is ranked as the worst state for women’s equality and has low levels of women’s leadership representation in nearly all domains, including politics and business,” the study reads. “Although the needle has moved slightly in a few areas, the current trajectory will require three to four more decades to make notable progress.”

About 42% of respondents said that gendered expectations were a common challenge. There’s social pressure for women to have a “sense of duty to their families or religion to do what men say and to succumb to male domination,” according to the study. “Some participants referenced the ‘purity culture’ within the state.”

Many women are raised to marry young and raise children while their husband works, a respondent commented. Those expectations lead to economic repercussions and financial dependence.

“I believe the greatest challenges for women and girls in Utah is lack of preparedness to be self-sustaining. Women often marry and sacrifice education to be a mother, which is noble, but leaves them unprepared in the event of financial hardship through illness, death, or divorce,” one respondent wrote.

Other top challenges include religious influence where gender role expectations are linked with religious beliefs or practices — which 27% of respondents shared — balancing career and home — mentioned by 25% of respondents — and work-related inequities — an issue reported by 23% of the study participants.

Almost 18% reported difficulty with self-worth, and about 15% said lack of support, opportunities, education or training were challenges. 

Almost 15% of participants also described concerns about experiencing abuse, assault and harassment. Additionally, about 13% worry about medical and health resources — including reproductive health care and mental health — and 11% consider a lack of women in leadership a notable issue.

Besides those larger shared concerns, others worry these issues may present more hardship in a changing economy.

“Housing affordability may force women into the workforce in higher percentages than ever before, and I’m not sure workplace readiness is keeping up with the percentage needing to work full time, so many will be trying to contribute to household income with limited skills/education,” a commenter wrote.