Newly funded studies to advance gender equity in the US through International, Evidence-Based Research

We are excited that HelpAge USA is part of a team awarded an Evidence for Action grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to advance gender equity through financial education.

• Research shows that progress toward gender equity has slowed or stalled in the United States.
• Evidence for Action announces nearly $1 million in funding to four studies to assess how gender equity strategies from around the world could be implemented in the U.S.
• Findings aim to advance gender equity by expanding workplace well-being, economic opportunity, and health services 

WHAT: Evidence for Action, a signature program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, announced on Tuesday, February 16th, its funding of four studies examining gender equity interventions that have shown promise internationally. Findings will offer insight and guidance for adopting similar practices in the United States.

WHY: There are many gender-based inequities still prevalent in U.S. society, with studies showing that progress has either stalled or stopped in some areas. Recent research has shown that these inequities have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Evidence for Action’s newly funded cohort of studies will examine initiatives from around the world that aim to improve gender equity in other countries and their applicability in U.S. society. 

Supporting the Health and Financial Security of Women Through Financial Education 

Investment: $228,554

Lead Organization: University of Southern California

International Partner Organization: Tsao Foundation, Singapore

Study Summary: Women experience specific, gender-related challenges to financial well-being and face increasingly complex financial and health marketplaces. In response, researchers will work in partnership with HelpAge USA to explore the potential to deploy the Citi-Tsao Financial Education Program, a 12-week group-based intervention for women over 40 in the U.S., to examine how it affects health and well-being including:

• Overall financial capability
• Economic stability and financial well-being
• Mental and physical health
• Self-efficacy and self-sufficiency
• Vulnerability to fraud