Economic Challenges in Windham County: Listening Project

Brattleboro area residents are invited to share their story at the Vermont Commission on Women’s Listening Project event hosted by area Commissioners at Brooks Memorial Library on Wednesday, September 26th from 6:00 -7:30 pm.
 
“This an opportunity for community members to shape the work of our Commission,” said Brattleboro Commissioner, Kerry Secrest. “Brattleboro is one of three locations where we’re gathering Vermonters together. We want to listen to the real world experiences of women, their stories, the challenges they encounter in their everyday lives.”
 
This event is an extension of the Commission’s statewide Listening Project survey. The survey asks what needs aren’t being met for Vermont women, what most affects their abilities to provide for themselves or their families, and what can be done to help. The survey has been distributed at events around the state, by organizations aligned with the Commission’s mission to advance rights and opportunities for women, and online at women.vermont.gov.
 
Preliminary survey results from our region indicate some of the top economic concerns for women were health care, including mental health, housing, child care, and retirement,” reported Brattleboro Commissioner, Emilie Kornheiser. “We’re eager to hear more – and to listen. Information gathered at this event will help us to understand conditions for women, and to prioritize our work.”
 
A report with Listening Project findings and recommendations will be presented to policymakers in 2019. Commission director Cary Brown and Commissioner Carol Buchdahl of Saxton’s River will also be present.