City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council launched an initiative today targeting young Black and Latina women to combat chronic racial and gender inequality in outcomes when it comes to healthcare, education, involvement in the justice system and economic development.
In 2013, there were approximately 411,339 Black and Latina women between the ages of 12-24 in NYC, out of a total population of approximately 8,407,363.
- 77% live in rental housing, compared to 64% of the entire population
- 41% are on food stamps, compared to 25% of the entire population
- The average household income of the homes they live in is $59,216, compared to $87,420 for the entire population
- Twenty percent of women in this demographic (age 16-24) are out of school and out of work, which translates to approximately 59,133 people (or about 14% of the 2013 estimated target population of 411,339).
- Black and Latino women and girls in the five boroughs have the highest share of new HIV diagnoses among women in New York City at 64.6% and 27.8% respectively.Black and Latino women and girls in the five boroughs have the highest share of new HIV diagnoses among women in New York City at 64.6% and 27.8% respectively. Brooklyn has the highest share of new HIV diagnoses among women, at 32% followed closely by the Bronx, at 28%.
- Nearly 60% of young black women surveyed by the New York City-based organization Black Women’s Blueprint, experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.
“The Young Women’s Initiative is answering the call of so many to prioritize, resource, and invest in young women. This is the first effort in the nation to deeply examine and combat the systemic inequality faced by many young women, and together we will determine how can help transform the lives of young women and girls across the five boroughs. Our young women are the future of New York City – they deserve equity in their education, healthcare, economic opportunity and access to justice,” said Mark-Viverito.
The Young Women’s Initiative will analyze available data, examine the City current investments, and identify where the City can make a lasting impact. Together with experts in women’s issues and racial and gender inequality, the Young Women’s Initiative will also determine needs for programming, policy changes, data collection, and long-term research geared towards closing the gaps in outcomes experienced by young women and girls, and young women and girls of color in particular, in New York City.
Brownsville City Council Member Darlene Mealy, Co-Chair of the council’s Women’s Caucus, said she is particularly excited about the collective efforts to improve the lives of young women.
“We are excited to be collaborating with these very capable and passionate leaders to draw our young women and girls into the conversation, about what they feel are the most pressing issues they are facing today. With our collective efforts on this endeavor, we will truly lead the way to opening new pathways and opportunities to help them find their calling, clear the obstacles and succeed in actualizing their dreams,” said Mealy.
Fort Greene Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo said as chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues, she was proud to join Mark-Viverito in launching the New York City Council Young Women’s Initiative to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of leaders whose innovative ideas and perspectives will create a better tomorrow for all of us.
“Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pave their own path towards personal, academic, and professional success. With the support of City agencies, we can invest in the development of young women to realize their full potential and contributions to our society,” said Cumbo.
