Women In Workforce Dealt Blow By Pandemic: Report

BROOKHAVEN, NY — The coronavirus has dealt a heavy blow to women in business, a new report says — and the "Dress for Success" campaign in Brookhaven Town is trying to make a difference.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine and the members of the town board announced the new “Your Hour, Her Power” campaign by Dress for Success Brookhaven this week.

Now in its 22nd year, Dress for Success Brookhaven was founded on the belief that all women deserve equal access to opportunities that will position them for economic advancement, making it synonymous with the vision and mission of International Women’s Day, town officials said.

And now, the efforts are more necessary than ever, town officials added: Dress for Success is expanding its initiative in 2021 with media partner O, The Oprah Magazine, by "honoring women throughout the month of March to highlight the importance and impact of female leadership when it is most needed," a release said.

"Decades of economic progress for women is unraveling. We are facing the first global female recession due to COVID-19 and the facts are alarming," the release said.

According to NPR and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 865,000 women dropped out of the U.S. workforce in September 2020 alone, a level not witnessed since 1988.

The NPR reports said not only have women lost the most jobs since the pandemic began but, straining under the burden of increased childcare, household duties, and caring for sick parents and relatives, many are thinking of quitting entirely.

And, said Deloitte Global, globally, nearly 70 percent of women who have experienced COVID-19 related disruptions are concerned about their ability to keep advancing.

This year's campaign celebrates the achievements of Dress for Success and encourages supporters to donate one hour of their pay to help give a woman access to programs and services so that she may begin her journey to financial independence and upward mobility, a release from Brookhaven Town said.

“I commend the Dress for Success Brookhaven for all they do to help women achieve success in the workplace. ‘Your Hour, Her Power’ is a great opportunity to support women’s efforts and encourage them to aim high and reach their professional and personal goals. By providing hope and a little help, you can make a difference in someone’s life," Romaine said.

Dress for Success Brookhaven would like to share women's stories with its clients, supporters and future sponsors via its social media platforms and website.

"We are seeking outstanding women to share their stories by providing a brief biography, photograph or short video on our social media platforms and website," Dress for Success Brookhaven said. "We hope you will be a part of this new initiative and will give us the opportunity to share your story."

Those interested can contact Dress for Success Brookhaven to learn more by calling Sharon Boyd at 631-451-9130 or emailing brookhaven@dressforsuccess.org.