Gender

More mentors, better facilities, gear that fits. WA police departments are upping their game to recruit more women

Just 12% of police officers nationwide are women. Washington state lags behind that already low number at 11%. Several law enforcement agencies statewide have signed on to a goal to increase women in the ranks. They’re recruiting women by offering strong mentorship programs and better-suited gear and facilities, among other strategies. But success is mixed, and larger agencies especially continue to struggle.

Government

King County looks at policies to make it more gender inclusive

Among other things, the plan could call for easier access for gender-affirming care for incarcerated people.

Business

Median earnings for full-time working WA men $14,600 higher than for women

Washington state has one of the widest gender pay gaps in the nation. But KUOW's Monica Nickelsburg is exploring one strategy for changing that.

Business

WA mushroom farm ordered to pay $3.4 million for discriminating against female workers

A little more than a year ago, a Sunnyside mushroom farm put a job posting on Facebook, looking for only male workers. The post was made by a lead employee of the then Ostrom Mushroom farm. Now, the farm will have to pay out 3.4 million dollars to settle allegations of discrimination against workers it fired.

Health

Washington state lawmakers pass protections for gender-affirming care

Washington state lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday that protects teen runaways seeking gender-affirming or reproductive health care. The bill is now headed to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk for a signature to make it official.