Public Policy

Wider Opportunities for Women works to address policy issues that seek broader, systemic solutions to alleviate poverty and move people towards economic independence. WOW does this through conducting original research, analyzing issues, and developing solutions.

WOW works with local, state and/or federal policy makers, the media and other nonprofit organizations to publish policy briefs, craft op-eds, write reports, speak at forums, and work in coalition with other advocacy groups. WOW advocates for policies that improve educational opportunities, increase access to work supports, promote promising programs, and support women, older workers and youth.

WOW’s work has been influential in shaping public policies to benefit low-income workers across the country. Today, WOW is working on behalf of its state and local partners in the following areas:

Women and Family Economic Security

• Quality jobs and wages including minimum wage, FMLA, and health benefits
• Skills training including the Workforce Investment Act, PACT, WANTO, and Green Jobs Training
• Education including Perkins, Pell, and tax credits
• Income and Work Supports including TANF, UI, Food Stamps, child care, housing, LIHEAP, tax credits, savings and debt reduction

Elder Economic Security

• Income Security including Food Stamps, LIHEAP, work and wages, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and pensions
• Health Security including Medicare, Medicaid
• Housing
• Older Worker Supports including flextime

Federal Program Funding such as Budget and Appropriations

DC Metro Advocacy