Gun violence, health care among top issues for women

Women, particularly minorities and millennials, say gun violence, medical expenses and access to affordable healthcare are among the issues that concern them the most, according to a new report released on Monday.

The survey titled “What Women Want 2018” was commissioned by the YWCA, one of the nation’s oldest and largest organizations working to empower and provide resources to women, girls and families.

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The survey, conducted by Lake Research Partners and American Viewpoint, interviewed 1,038 adult women nationwide of different ages and backgrounds, with over samples of minority groups. The report found that about a quarter of women are very worried about access to affordable housing, reproductive health care and paid family and medical leave.

Over two-thirds of women, regardless of party affiliation, strongly believe Congress should pass the Child Care for Working Families Act to expand access to affordable, high quality child care and invest in early childhood education professionals. They also supported legislation that would end racial profiling, protect provisions in the Affordable Care Act that cover pre-existing conditions and offer preventative health services for women and access to birth control services.

Ninety-one percent of the women surveyed agree that strengthening equal pay laws is a priority. Eighty-nine percent called for the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, which help social service agencies that support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence with funding.

“Recent headlines are replete with stories of sexual discrimination and sexual violence across communities — from the highest, most prestigious institutions to the lowest paying industries,” said Alejandra Castillo, YWCA’s CEO and the first Latina to hold this position.