Utah remains ranked last in the nation for women's equality for the 12th consecutive year, according to new research from Utah State University's Utah Women & Leadership Project. The findings, which build upon studies dating back to at least 2021, highlight ongoing disparities in political representation, unpaid labor, and workplace culture across the state.
Political Representation Gaps
The Utah Women & Leadership Project (UWLP) released research in 2026 detailing a persistent pattern of inequality. While the state has seen some progress in specific areas, gaps remain at nearly every level of government. This follows a long-standing trend where WalletHub has ranked Utah as the worst state for women's equality for over a decade.
Legislative and Congressional Trends
In the political sphere, Utah continues to face challenges regarding female representation. While women hold 32.7% of state legislative seats—including 27.6% of the Senate and one-third of the House—the state has never elected a woman to the U.S. Senate. Currently, Celeste Maloy is Utah's only female congressional representative.
The Burden of Unpaid Labor
Research also highlights the significant burden of unpaid care work performed by Utah women. Women in Utah spend an average of 5.55 hours per day on unpaid work, compared to 3.22 hours for men. This includes childcare, eldercare, and housework, which are critical to the foundations of families and communities.
Workplace Culture and Advancement
Workplace culture remains another area of concern. A study conducted in the fall of 2025 found that while 63% of Utahns work for employers with some family-friendly policies, 37% were unsure or disagreed that their organization offers policies to meet their needs. Additionally, approximately 45% of open-ended survey responses raised concerns regarding a lack of opportunities for advancement for women.
Health and Safety Concerns
The research also addresses critical health and safety issues, specifically the prevention of sexual violence. Researchers at the University of Utah have noted that sexual violence is a significant women's health issue, with statistics showing 1 in 6 women have been raped during their lifetime. Recent legislative efforts, such as House Bill 200, have worked to increase the testing of rape kits to improve justice for survivors.
A Call for Change
Susan Madsen, the UWLP founding director and a professor of organizational leadership, noted that the data provides critical insights into the challenges Utah women and girls face. She emphasized that advancing women's representation and support is a catalyst for stronger communities and more effective governance.
