Minority women in the United States; be it Latinas, Blacks, Asian-Americans, Native Americans, or Muslim women, are key to the nation’s progress. These women are reshaping the trajectory of the country despite systemic barriers. From driving economic growth to transforming politics and championing social justice, their contributions are a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership. Their contribution to the nation’s progress in every field is paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable America.
There is no denying the economic impact made by minority women. There are over 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. in 2020, with nearly half of them being women from minority communities, according to U.S. Census Bureau. Women from Latina communities are leading this charge, with the number of businesses owned by Latinas surging by 87% from 2017 to 2022. Similar development and entrepreneurial spirit have been shown by Black women. They are leading 42% of all women-owned businesses, generating $42 billion annually.
Women from Asian-American communities, including Muslim businesswomen, are making similar strides in the industry. Their heavy contribution to industries like technology, healthcare, and hospitality is vital for the country’s economy. These business ventures by minority women not only create jobs but also drive innovation and diversification in the U.S. economy.
Political Leadership
There has been a great shift towards inclusivity in the political sphere in the country, demonstrated by minority women through their participation in the political process. A record 152 women served in the congress in 2024. Almost one-third (46) of them were women of color, including leaders like Kamala Harris, the first Black and South Asian-American Vice President, and U.S. Representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Latina) and Ilhan Omar (Muslim).
A similar surge is also experienced in state and local governments where minority women are leading the way. Take the example of state legislators, where minority women are 26%. These women leaders ensure that the voices of minorities are heard while crafting policies that address important issues like address healthcare, education, and social justice.
Educational Achievements
Even though systemic disparities persist, education has been the cornerstone of empowerment for minority women. 62% of Black women and 58% of Latinas aged 25 and older have completed some college education, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In comparison, 72% of white women complete their college education.
More and more women from minority communities are pursuing higher education, despite these gaps. Latinas, for example, are the largest demographic of female students in community colleges. Similarly, Black women; in terms of college enrollment rates, are the most educated demographic group. Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the United Negro College Fund are some of the initiatives that have been instrumental in making educational opportunities for these communities.
Social Justice Advocacy
History is filled with the stories of minority women who have been advocating for civil rights, racial equality, and gender equity and were at the forefront of such social justice movements. Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer, representing Black women, were central figures in the Civil Rights Movement. Likewise, modern women like Alicia Garza and Tamika Mallory have led movements like Black Lives Matter.
Advocacy groups play an important role in pushing for the right policies
Latinas played a similar role in labor rights movement and immigration reform. Leaders like Dolores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers union. Linda Sarsour, a Muslim woman, has been a vocal advocate for social and religious justice, challenging Islamophobia and promoting interfaith dialogue.
Healthcare Advocacy
Minority women are leading efforts to address inequities in health as well. Black women experience three times higher maternal mortality rates than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Latina women suffer from cervical cancer in high numbers. Asian-American women, especially Muslims, are discriminated against based on language and culture in accessing care.
Some organizations are working to improve healthcare outcomes, including the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, and the Asian Pacific American Women’s Leadership Institute. These organizations help minority women advocate for policy changes, increase access to healthcare, and raise awareness.
However, despite all these remarkable contributions, systemic barriers still persist for these minority women. One of the serious issues is that of the wage gap. For every dollar earned by White men, Latina women earn just 55 cents, Black women earn 63 cents, and Native American women earn 60 cents. Women face such discriminatory practices in every aspect of life, including hiring, education, and healthcare, further worsening these disparities.
By Haider Abbas and Dr Amir M Khan
