The Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released the last of six white papers sharing the results of a study conducted in the fall of 2024. “Utah Women, Discrimination, and Sexism: Experiences and Perceptions” is an analysis of the responses collected to examine Utahns’ perceptions of the challenges women and girls face.

While analyzing survey responses, researchers noted an overarching and recurring theme: discrimination and sexism. These themes were present in many areas and emerged organically through participants’ open-ended responses. This final report offers a comprehensive overview of those responses, focusing on interpretation, meaning, and Utahns’ experiences.

From the 2,248 comments, researchers identified the top 10 themes that appeared most frequently concerning sexism and discrimination.

1. Gender Discrimination/Sexism in the Workplace – 29.3% (658). Examples shared were unequal pay, lack of promotion opportunities, and hostile work environments.

2. General Gender Bias and Discrimination – 23.4% (526). Examples included broad recognition of unequal treatment and persistent stereotypes.

3. Influence of Religion and/or Patriarchy – 19.8% (445). Many noted cultural/religious norms that reinforce traditional roles and limit women’s choices.

4. Traditional Gender Roles/Cultural Pressure to Conform – 19.1% (429).
Respondents spoke of pressure to conform to homemaking roles and expectations.

5. Obstacles Accessing Higher Education or Non-Traditional Career Training – 10.9% (245). Examples included challenges in accessing higher education or training in non-traditional careers.

6. Gender-Based Sexual Harassment and Violence – 9.2% (207). Many respondents shared experiences of harassment or discussed safety concerns.

7. Difficulty Accessing Health Care and/or Mental Health Services – 9% (202). Examples included difficulty obtaining quality care, especially in rural or underserved areas.

8. Underrepresentation of Women in Leadership and Politics – 6% (136). A lack of women in decision-making roles was a recurring concern.

9. It’s Getting Better/Not an Issue Here – 5.8% (131). Some respondents noted progress, though comments were often cautiously optimistic.

10. All Should Be Treated Equally – 4.1% (92). A smaller but clear collection of respondents voiced the need for equal treatment of all genders.

According to Susan Madsen, Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in the USU Huntsman School of Business, director of the UWLP, and co-author of the report, the research report highlights the ongoing reality that many Utah girls and women continue to face gender-based discrimination and sexism.

“These experiences have a lasting, detrimental impact on women and girls,” Madsen said. “These are our mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, sisters, and neighbors. When Utah is a better place for each of these women, Utah is better for all of us.” 

April Townsend, UWLP research fellow, co-authored the report.

A Bolder Way Forward, an initiative of the UWLP, serves as a vehicle for change, aiming to create conditions where more Utah girls and women can thrive. Learn more here. The UWLP is also affiliated with USU Extension. For more information about the UWLP, click here.