Over 300,000 Black Women Exit US Workforce Since November

Since the November election and under the Trump Administration, more than 300,000 Black women have left the workforce, a shift attributed to federal layoffs, budget cuts, and the rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a spike in Black women's unemployment to 6.3%. This trend is part of a broader pattern where over 212,000 women have exited the workforce since January, disproportionately affecting sectors like healthcare, social services, and education, which rely heavily on female workers and have been hit hard by federal funding cuts. Experts warn this exodus threatens public service delivery and deepens economic disparities, especially within nonprofits where women already face wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership. Rural Women New Zealand have raised concerns about pay equity reforms that could worsen workforce shortages and pay inequities in rural communities by imposing stricter claim requirements, which may undermine recruitment and retention in essential sectors. Additionally, economists highlight that African women are disproportionately impacted by trade wars due to their overrepresentation in vulnerable sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which are sensitive to tariff changes and import competition. These developments underscore the need for inclusive economic policies and support systems to address the compounded challenges women face in the workforce across various regions and sectors.