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

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 ​Women’s Return to the Workforce Piles Momentum on a Hot Economy Millions of Women Left Work During the Pandemic. Where Are They Now? In America’s Return to the Office, Women Are Falling Behind Women’s Pay Is Falling Behind. Is the Return to the Office to Blame? DEI Rules That Changed Corporate Boards Are Vanishing Black Americans Are Losing Jobs in a Warning for the Economy Labor Force Participation Rate - Women