Slower recovery

The Great Recession ended in June 2009, but don't tell that to women. A survey of 2,746 adults conducted by the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that over the past two years, women have had a tougher time finding work than men. Since the recession's end, unemployed men have regained 1.7 million (21%) of the 6.1 million jobs they lost since December 2007. Women regained only 237,000 (9.1%) of the 2.6 million jobs they lost. Statistically, men are finding jobs at three times the rate of women, although recovery is slow for both. According to the study, “Women and Men Living on the Edge: Economic Insecurity,” the recession hit men harder: They faced 33 months of steep job losses, compared with 23 months of losses for women. Job loss began for women in April 2008, later than the official start of the recession in December 2007, but their recovery also started later and is slower. “We know there's an earnings gap between men and women,” said Jeff Hayes, senior research associate for the IWPR, “but the ... lack of recovery for women was surprising.” The study also found that while 61% of working men report having enough savings to cover two months of expenses if they lose their job, just 43% of women have similar savings. Women also report more difficulty in affording health care, paying bills and meeting the needs of their children.