Women Have Unmet Needs In Loudoun County, Survey Says

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — One third of women have unmet needs as a result of the pandemic, according to a new survey by the Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls. Respondents noted child care support, access to health care, and employment resources as the most common issues.

The survey received responses from almost 400 women in Loudoun County. In the survey, participants listed areas where COVID-19 has impacted them the most, and where they need support from government and community leaders.

Angela Mitchell is the chair for the Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls (LCWAG). "It is clear that Loudoun women are experiencing an extraordinary burden in attempting to balance personal and family well-being in the face of COVID-19," she said. "This series of surveys is shaping changes to our employment initiatives, including LCWAG’s leadership programming for young women and the development of a mentorship model."

34 per cent of survey respondents said that they or their spouses lost their jobs, or received fewer hours as a result of the pandemic. In total, survey respondents noted several areas of need, including housing support, food support, and domestic violence resources.

The Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls hope that this survey can guide community leaders on issues to address. "We hope that the county’s incoming Chief Equity Officer will also use the findings to coordinate new policies and programs," Mitchell said.

The commission's first survey featured respondents from 72 per cent of Loudoun County's zip codes. The commission noted that while they received responses from across the county, they would like to improve their outreach with the African American, Asian, and Latina women of Loudoun County.

According to the county's most recent assessment, Loudoun's population is 19 per cent Asian, 8 per cent Black, and 62 per cent white. The county's population is also 14 per cent Hispanic.

The Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls plans to open another survey in April. It will focus on understanding the top unmet needs for the county's women: child care, healthcare, and employment issues.