Mount Saint Mary’s University will release its 13th annual Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California on Friday, March 22, at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.

The event will feature speakers including New York Times best-selling author Eve Rodsky; Zakiya Thomas, president and CEO of ERA Coalition and the Fund for Women’s Equality; and psychiatrist and best-selling author Dr. Pooja Lakshmin.

For the past 13 years, the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University has produced the most authoritative research on issues impacting women and girls in California. This year’s report, titled “The Cost of Being a Woman: Solutions for Economic Equity,” explores the underlying causes of persistent financial inequalities for women, and highlights opportunities for lasting change to create a more equitable future.

“While we are making strides toward equity in some areas, the report continues to reveal striking gender gaps,” said Ann McElaney-Johnson, president of Mount Saint Mary’s University. “Since its inaugural release in 2012, the report has served as a national benchmark, informing public policy and funding priorities statewide. By working together, we believe we can find solutions to advance gender equity.”

The latest findings reveal an encouraging trend in narrowing the gender earnings gap, improving from 84% to 89% since 2013. However, the numbers only scratch the surface of the challenges women face. Despite the progress, women continue to grapple with substantial financial burdens. On average, they save less than half of what their male counterparts save annually, possess smaller retirement accounts, face a 30% higher out-of-pocket expenditure for medical costs and bear unpaid caregiving responsibilities.

“The lack of pay equity impacts every aspect of a woman’s life, affecting economic stability, health and mental well-being,” said Nicole Haggard, director of the Center for the Advancement for Women. “This year’s report will give us a roadmap for necessary improvements. Our goal is to work with community partners and translate this research into actionable initiatives that empower our community to affect real change for women and girls in our state.”

For information, visit msmu.edu/caw.