Originally published on BBC.com, written by Melissa Hogenboom. When it comes to household responsibilities, women perform far more cognitive and...
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About Every Woman. All Things.
Every Woman. All Things. is a transformative initiative launched by The Association of Junior Leagues International to reclaim well-being, and reimagine life where role strain, role conflict and burnout are no longer the cost of being everything to everyone. It was created to challenge the idea that burnout, role conflict, and doing it all should be the cost of showing up in the world.
Together we can help find solutions and lead systemic change to make a profound impact on the world.
Join us in building a culture that prioritizes well-being over overwork, and meaning over exhaustion. Whether you’re setting boundaries, mentoring others, advocating for change, or simply giving yourself permission to rest—your choices matter.
It’s a simple idea: when we support each other, speak up, and make space for what truly matters, we change what’s possible—not just for ourselves, but for every woman, and all things she touches.
Talking about it is the first step.
Join us in the conversation.
Tackling What Matters Most to Women
Women are carrying more than ever—at home, at work, and in their communities. The Every Woman. All Things. initiative identifies four urgent, interconnected areas that directly impact women’s well-being and leadership capacity. From mental overload to aging and caregiving and economic inequality and social media comparison, these are the realities shaping women’s lives every day. The Junior League is uniquely positioned to lead on these issues—backed by more than a century of grassroots leadership, intergenerational wisdom, and a deep commitment to advancing women and communities.
CAREGIVING
FINANCIAL INSECURITY
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY & MENTAL OVERLOAD
Center for Women's Wellbeing
Women are paid less than men—and the gap is closing too slowly
What you need to know Women are paid less than men When you look at full-time, year-round workers, women in...
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Let’s Talk About the Trap of Being “Helpful”
Originally published on MELD. But here’s what nobody tells you: If you only say yes, you’ll be working heads down at your...
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Real Women Say Real Things
I serve as the president of my Junior League while also working as a lobbyist and attorney, community leader and volunteer. As women we have so many titles. I often feel guilty for neglecting the most important roles in my life - daughter, sister, aunt, partner, family member. I tell myself I can't complain because the women in my life sacrificed their ambition so I can be the woman I am today. In our womanhood, all things matter, including us.
If you can, you should. That was my own personal mantra and drove a lot of the work I did. It also caused me to burnout. I see a need and I volunteer. I say I'll figure it out when no one else raises their hands. I realized I'm not just a vessel to be filled so I can pour out for others. I am a whole person. This role strain, mental load, that women carry isn't just a personal issue; it's a systemic issue that affects women across all walks of life. I am so grateful for Every Woman All things campaign. We need to reimagine the systems that placed these burdens on women in the first place. Every woman deserves to thrive not just survive.
A few days before I was to transition from being a Provisional Member to an Active Member of the Junior League, I lost my sister. And even though I had just lost my sister, I was still telling myself to keep showing up. It's important to remember, when you tell yourself to keep showing up, to also ask: Are you showing up as your whole self, or are you showing up as a shell of yourself with a facade of 'I'm going great!'—but you're really not? Women can do anything, which also includes nothing. Self-care is important. You have to show up for yourself first, then show back up as your whole self when you are ready.
Why This Work Matters
The following statistics demonstrate why Every Woman. All Things. matters more than ever.
65% of caregivers are women; female caregivers spend as much as 50% more time providing care than male caregivers.
Caregiving and Its Impact on Women
60%
of women do the majority of household chores, but 74% of men think that they do the most or that they do an equal amount.
Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Women disproportionately experience risk factors for common mental disorders as compared to men.
American Psychiatric Association
39%
of women with partners say they are responsible for the great majority of the housework compared to only 11% of men.
Annual Women in the Workplace
Children observe and learn from the women in their lives. When women are empowered, supported, and healthy, they model resilience and balance for the next generation, fostering a future with more equitable opportunities.
Michigan State University
Women are twice as likely to experience depression, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in their lifetimes compared to men.
American Psychiatric Association