Gender Equity in Action: Analyzing USDOT Hiring Practices from 2017 to 2021

Abstract: The employment landscape in the U.S. has seen notable changes in recent years, particularly concerning the inclusion of women in the workforce. Despite significant progress, disparities in employment conditions and opportunities for women persist. Addressing these issues has become a priority, leading to the implementation of various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the U.S. workplace. This study examines the trends in women’s employment within the U.S. DOT workforce from 2017 to 2021, analyzing the impact of these legislative measures and initiatives. By highlighting the efforts of the U.S. Department of Transportation and other stakeholders, this paper aims to provide an overview of the recent hiring strategies employed to support the advancement of qualified women in the workforce. The study found that although women were underrepresented among USDOT employees from 2017 to 2021, there was a positive trend in hiring female employees, particularly those with higher education and experience levels. Notably, the ratio of female to male hires increased significantly in 2021, especially among employees with less than 5 years of experience, reflecting a shift in hiring policies to enhance gender diversity. Through this analysis, we seek to shed light on the progress made, the effectiveness of different initiatives, and the ongoing challenges in achieving true gender equality in employment.