The State of Women in 2026: Progress, Pay Gaps and Participation

WSJ What’s News · Mar 15, 2026 · 11m

It’s Women’s History Month, and we’re taking a look at how American women are doing—professionally and economically. Government data show that women’s overall labor force participation is almost back to pre-pandemic levels. But as the labor market weakens, the reality—especially for mothers of young children—is more complicated. Host Alex Ossola speaks with WSJ economics reporter Harriet Torry and Matthew Nestler, senior economist at KPMG, about the trends driving the data and what it really means for women today.

Further Reading:

Coronavirus Employment Shock Hits Women Harder Than Men…