Nearly 300,000 Black Women Exit US Workforce Amid DEI Program Cuts

A recent surge in Black women leaving the U.S. workforce—nearly 300,000 in three months—is attributed to federal job cuts, the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, inflation, student loan burdens, and underrepresentation in tech sectors, leading to significant economic loss and a widening network gap. This network gap, exacerbated by the decline of employee resource groups (ERGs), restricts Black women's access to opportunities traditionally gained through professional connections. Simultaneously, the 'crash out' trend among Black women highlights systemic exhaustion from intersecting racial and gender pressures, challenging the myth of their invincibility and the inadequacy of traditional individual-focused burnout solutions. Efforts like The Remote Tasks & Jobs Club for Black Women aim to counter isolation and economic hardship by providing community, skills, and paid remote work opportunities, emphasizing mental health and collective support. Globally, women also face structural barriers to workforce participation and leadership, as seen in India, Nigeria, and Kenya, where informal work dominates and senior leadership representation remains low, though targeted local solutions show promise. Together, these narratives underscore the urgent need for systemic change to address the multifaceted challenges Black women and women worldwide face in employment and leadership.