A recent report titled Seven Top Opportunities for Utah Girls and Women: A 2026 Update identified key areas where Utah women and girls can thrive. The study, conducted by the Utah State University Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP), sought to understand perceptions regarding opportunities within the state.
Data for the report was collected from 5,212 Utah men and women between October 1 and November 19, 2025. The findings were intended to assist leaders of A Bolder Way Forward (BWF), a Utah initiative focused on breaking down barriers for women and girls.
The survey identified education and training as the most frequently cited opportunity, noted by 37.5% of respondents. Many participants advocated for increased access to financial assistance and low-cost or free tuition.
Work and employment options were the second most prominent area, mentioned by 29% of those surveyed. Respondents suggested that Utah employers adopt family-friendly policies, including parental leave, flexible scheduling, on-site childcare, and equitable access to advancement and higher-paying roles.
Other significant opportunities identified included:
Encouraging women to embrace their potential (21.1%), with a focus on self-sufficiency through financial literacy.
Supporting women in leadership and public office (16.3%).
Supporting personal choices (13.2%) regarding career and motherhood.
Increasing awareness of community resources (9.6%) for topics such as mental health, reproductive health, and safety.
Connecting and working together for change (8.5%).
Susan Madsen, the founding director of UWLP and a report author, stated that the goal was to educate readers on challenges and opportunities while harnessing collective resources to mitigate difficulties. Madsen noted that strengthening the impact of Utah women and girls strengthens everyone.
Additional opportunities mentioned in the study included Utah's growing economy and the value of sports and outdoor recreation.
