New Research On Millennial Women: Meet Us Where We Are

Kate Black

Executive Director, American Women

In the past eight weeks there have been a lot of conversations about millennial women, but not too many conversations with millennial women. To understand their top concerns, what stresses them the most, and what policies they believe can help their everyday lives, American Women started a conversation with young women. In December 2015, American Women conducted a survey of 800 registered voters and 200 millennial women as part of an on-going research project with women voters with ELLE Magazine.

The results spell trouble for the Republican Party, who are struggling daily to connect with young women on the issues impacting them the most.

Here is what young women told us:

They are struggling to get by. The recession had a significant impact on them in a different way than older women or men. Almost half of millennial women struggled to pay their tuition or student loans and a third reported failing behind on rent or mortgage payments. Unemployment continues to impact younger people at higher rates. This financial instability caused nearly 30% to continue to live at home.

It is no surprise then that their top stressors are financial. For 72% of young women, paying their monthly bills and expenses is their greatest cause of stress. But 19% of young women are also feeling pressured to find balance between caretaking and career responsibilities. While young women’s economic experiences differ, simply not having enough money is a reality they are all facing.

Millennial women are looking for solutions. This was evident when we tested a broad range of issues that may impact a voter’s likelihood for voting for a candidate. Knowing that young women’s top concerns are economic and rooted in balancing their responsibilities as caretakers and earners, it is no surprise they are looking for candidates to meet them where they are to help make those struggles a little easier. They want lower taxes to help middle class families and grow the economy, an end to gender discrimination in pay, paid family and medical leave, and affordable childcare. Paid sick days, a higher minimum wage, and predictable schedules are also important.

These are the issues young women are looking for from candidates. And instead, Republican presidential candidates are insulting women — either with their rhetoric or with half-baked sham proposals. From denying that gender discrimination in pay exists, to understanding how access to birth control keeps our families more economically secure, to opposing paid family and medical leave, it is clear just how removed from young women’s lives these men are. Candidates should take time to pay attention to what young women are looking for, but no one in the Republican presidential field is listening.