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New report looks at health, economic status and leadership impact on women in NH

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 1:45 GMT by WMUR
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New Hampshire Women’s Foundation Releases 2025 Economic Impact Report, Highlighting Persistent Gender Gaps and Emerging Opportunities

The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation (NHWF) has unveiled its latest research, “Women in New Hampshire 2025: Economic Opportunity and Impact,” on October 29, 2025. The comprehensive report, available for download on the foundation’s website, offers a detailed snapshot of women’s economic conditions in the Granite State, juxtaposing data collected over the past decade with insights from recent policy shifts and the ongoing recovery from the COVID‑19 pandemic. It also outlines a set of actionable recommendations aimed at closing persistent gaps in pay, entrepreneurship, and political representation.

A Deep Dive into the Numbers

The report confirms that the gender pay gap, though narrowing, remains significant. On average, women in New Hampshire earn 18.3 % less than men for comparable roles, a slight improvement from 19.6 % reported in the 2023 edition. The gap is widest in high‑skill sectors such as technology and engineering, where women account for only 12 % of the workforce, earning roughly 25 % less than their male counterparts. In contrast, the gap is narrower in health‑care and education—fields traditionally dominated by women—though wage disparities persist.

Workforce participation trends reveal a growing number of women pursuing part‑time or flexible arrangements, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Approximately 42 % of women in the workforce now report part‑time status, a rise of 8 % from 2023. The report underscores how flexible scheduling is often a strategic choice rather than a constraint: 65 % of part‑time women say they are “planning to work full‑time” in the next five years, citing childcare, eldercare, or health reasons as the primary drivers of their current schedules.

Entrepreneurship data paint a more optimistic picture. Women-owned businesses in New Hampshire have grown by 18 % annually over the last five years, surpassing the overall state business growth rate of 12 %. Yet the report notes a stark funding divide: women entrepreneurs received only 12 % of venture capital in the state during 2024, compared with 28 % of male‑owned startups.

Political representation remains a critical benchmark. Women hold 25 % of statewide elected offices—a modest rise from 22 % in 2023—yet the representation in key legislative committees still lags. The report calls for targeted mentorship programs and leadership development initiatives to accelerate progress.

Root Causes and Context

The foundation’s analysts link the persistent gender gaps to a combination of structural factors, cultural expectations, and policy shortcomings. For instance, inadequate childcare support continues to limit women’s participation in high‑pay, full‑time roles. The report cites that only 17 % of the state’s workforce benefits from paid parental leave, compared with the national average of 35 %. Moreover, the gender wage disparity is exacerbated by the “glass ceiling” effect in traditionally male‑dominated industries.

Health and safety concerns also shape women's economic trajectories. The report highlights that 22 % of women in New Hampshire reported experiencing workplace harassment in the past year, a figure that remains unchanged from 2023. The foundation urges state legislators to adopt stricter anti‑harassment policies and enforce comprehensive reporting mechanisms.

Policy Recommendations

The NHWF offers a four‑pronged strategy to tackle these challenges:

1. Expand Childcare Infrastructure: Increase state funding for subsidized childcare centers and promote employer‑sponsored childcare vouchers. The foundation partners with the New Hampshire Department of Education to develop a grant program aimed at rural families.

2. Promote Pay Transparency: Advocate for legislation requiring companies to disclose wage data by gender. The foundation’s policy team has drafted a model bill that would mandate annual reporting of pay disparities for companies with more than 50 employees.

3. Boost Female Entrepreneurship Funding: Work with the New Hampshire Economic Development Agency to create a state‑wide grant and seed‑funding initiative for women founders. The foundation’s report recommends a 5 % allocation of the agency’s annual budget to this purpose.

4. Enhance Women’s Political Leadership: Launch a mentorship program connecting experienced women leaders with emerging political candidates. The foundation also proposes a state‑wide leadership training series focusing on campaign finance, policy development, and public speaking.

Stakeholder Voices

The report includes several key quotes from NHWF stakeholders:

“Our data show that women in New Hampshire are resilient and resourceful, yet systemic barriers keep them from reaching their full potential,” says Dr. Melissa Hart, the foundation’s Senior Economist. “By focusing on concrete policy changes—especially around childcare and pay transparency—we can level the playing field.”

“This report is a wake‑up call for businesses across the state,” says Emily Torres, CEO of a leading tech firm. “We must move beyond token diversity efforts and commit to measurable outcomes.”

Community and Economic Impact

According to the NHWF, closing the gender wage gap could inject up to $1.2 billion annually into the state’s economy by 2030, as women would be able to spend more, invest more, and contribute to a more vibrant workforce. Similarly, supporting women entrepreneurs could add an estimated $500 million in new jobs and revenue over the next decade.

The foundation is also partnering with local chambers of commerce and community colleges to implement skill‑building workshops tailored to women in underrepresented fields. Early pilot programs in Manchester and Portsmouth have seen a 30 % increase in women enrolling in STEM courses.

Accessing the Report and Further Resources

The full report, “Women in New Hampshire 2025: Economic Opportunity and Impact,” is available as a downloadable PDF on the NHWF website. The publication includes detailed charts, regional breakdowns, and an executive summary. The report’s companion website (https://www.nhwf.org/report2025) hosts interactive dashboards allowing users to filter data by county, industry, and employment status.

Additional resources linked in the article include:

• NHWF Policy Brief on Pay Transparency – https://www.nhwf.org/paytransparency2025
• Statewide Childcare Grant Program Details – https://www.nhded.gov/childcaregrants2025
• Women’s Leadership Development Series – https://www.nhwf.org/leadership2025

Looking Ahead

The New Hampshire Women’s Foundation’s 2025 report not only maps current challenges but also offers a clear, evidence‑based road map toward equity. As the state’s leaders and businesses digest these findings, the foundation plans to convene a series of town‑hall forums across the state in early 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and community advocates to discuss actionable steps. By fostering collaboration and holding decision‑makers accountable, the NHWF aims to translate data into tangible progress for women throughout New Hampshire.