The United States remains one of the only wealthy nations without a national paid leave program—and that failure has profound consequences for women’s economic security, caregiving responsibilities and ability to participate fully in public life.
By Claire MasquidaJune 18, 20261 min read
The United States remains one of the only wealthy nations without a national paid leave program—and that failure has profound consequences for women’s economic security, caregiving responsibilities and ability to participate fully in public life. Every day, workers are forced to choose between caring for a new baby, recovering from illness or supporting a loved one and keeping a paycheck. Those impossible choices fall disproportionately on women, reinforcing gender inequities at work, at home and in civic life.
Paid leave is not simply a workplace benefit; it is a cornerstone of a more equitable democracy. When women are pushed out of the workforce, lose income or shoulder the overwhelming burden of unpaid care, they have less time, fewer resources and fewer opportunities to participate in their communities and shape public life. Building a democracy that truly includes women requires policies that recognize caregiving as essential work.
The good news is that change is possible. States across the country have already demonstrated that paid family and medical leave works, and overwhelming majorities of voters support it. If we are serious about creating a more inclusive future, guaranteeing paid leave for all workers must be part of the agenda. Women cannot be equal citizens without it.
