Atlanta, GA
When Women Can’t Afford to Work, Atlanta Pays the Price – SaportaReport
By Danita V. Knight, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Atlanta
For generations, women have navigated the competing demands of work, caregiving, and economic stability. But for many across Atlanta today, that balance is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
Atlanta’s economy depends on the labor, leadership, and contributions women provide every day. Yet across our region, more women are quietly being pushed to the edge of the workforce — not because they lack ambition or talent, but because the math of daily life is no longer working in their favor.
For too many women, especially mothers and caregivers, work is no longer simply about professional growth or long-term opportunity. It has become a constant calculation of tradeoffs: transportation or rent, child care or groceries, flexibility or consistency, a paycheck or the cost of earning one.
And increasingly, many are deciding they simply cannot afford to continue making it work.
That reality is not always reflected in headline unemployment numbers or public conversations about economic growth. But employers feel it. Families feel it. Communities feel it. And women most definitely feel it.
Women are reducing hours, stepping away from leadership pathways, delaying career advancement, or leaving jobs entirely because the systems and structures surrounding work have become too fragile and too expensive to sustain. Recent national research from Catalyst found that 42% of women who voluntarily left the workforce cited caregiving responsibilities — including child care costs — as a primary reason for their decision.
When a parent misses work because child care falls through, that is an economic issue. When rising housing prices force longer commutes and less family security, that is a workforce issue. When women are expected to absorb the growing demands of caregiving without adequate support, flexibility, or investment, that becomes a regional competitiveness issue.
These pressures do not exist in isolation. They compound each other.
And while the burden often falls hardest on women, the consequences extend far beyond individual households. Businesses lose experienced talent. Organizations struggle with retention and burnout. Communities lose civic participation and economic momentum. The long-term cost is measured not only in dollars, but in diminished opportunity and unrealized potential.
YWCA Greater Atlanta is the only “YW” in Georgia, and we see these realities through our work supporting women, girls, and families across the state. We also see women doing everything possible to hold their careers, families, and aspirations together despite increasing pressure.
But resilience should not be mistaken for sustainability. And resilience is exhausting.
We cannot continue asking women to absorb the gaps created by unaffordable care, rising everyday costs, inflexible workplaces, and uneven access to opportunity — while expecting our economy to thrive.
This moment requires more than dialogue. It requires alignment between employers, policymakers, civic institutions, and community organizations willing to rethink how we show up for working women and families.
That means investing in accessible early learning and care. It means creating workplace cultures that recognize caregiving realities. It means expanding pathways to economic mobility and workforce participation. And it means understanding that the health of our economy is directly connected to the well-being of the people holding it together every day.
Earlier this month at the 2026 Salute to Women of Achievement, YWCA Greater Atlanta celebrated women leading across business, advocacy, philanthropy, education, and community impact. Their leadership reflects what is possible when talent, opportunity, and support align.
But we also confront the truth that too many women across our region are still navigating systems that make participation, advancement, and long-term prosperity unnecessarily difficult.
Atlanta cannot afford to lose the talent, leadership, and participation of women who are essential to our region’s future.
When women cannot afford to work, the cost belongs to all of us.
This is sponsored content.
RELATED POSTS
I’ve also heard that Atlanta sees great value in Swain at No. 23, but the Hawks have been signaling for some time that they are prepared (and perhaps even prefer) to trade their second pick in the first round after No. 8 for future draft capital. It sounds as though Atlanta will invite external trade interest for that pick until it is actually on the clock to make the selection Tuesday night.
marcstein.substack.com
Caitlin Clark talks her signature shoe, Indiana Fever player of the week, more
Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has had social media buzz about her signature shoe, and she spoke about the technology, being a role model and more.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever continued their 2026 WNBA regular season with a 113-96 loss against the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, June 20.
Clark, a former Iowa women’s basketball star, and the Fever are 9-7 after the first 16 games of the regular season.
Here’s a look at how Clark fared in Saturday’s game in Atlanta:
Caitlin Clark stats today in Indiana Fever vs Atlanta Dream
- Minutes: 34
- Points: 26
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 7
- Blocks: 0
- Steals: 1
- Turnovers: 7
- Fouls: 3
- FG shooting: 11-18
- 3-point shooting: 3-7
- Free throws: 1-2
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever upcoming games
- June 22: vs Phoenix Mercury, 7 p.m. CT, USA Network
- June 24: vs Phoenix Mercury, 6:30 p.m. CT, USA Network
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet
Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre
ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.
Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.
“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”
Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the Beast, Swan Princess and Snow White.
While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com
Public ticket sales begin June 19.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.
The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
-
San Diego, CA6 minutes agoPhotos: Cooper Family Foundation’s Juneteenth celebration
-
Milwaukee, WI9 minutes agoCarin León, Summerfest’s first regional Mexican music act, draws new visitors to Milwaukee
-
Atlanta, GA14 minutes ago
Atlanta sees great value in Swain at No. 23,
-
Minneapolis, MN21 minutes agoChild seriously injured after being struck by car while playing in alley
-
Indianapolis, IN24 minutes agoMore than fun and games: Meet the family behind an Indianapolis Clowns legacy
-
Pittsburg, PA29 minutes agoSouth Side Street Fest opens to largely positive reviews
-
Augusta, GA36 minutes ago2nd annual Juneteenth trail ride draws crowds in Augusta
-
Washington, D.C39 minutes agoDouble shooting reported near U Street corridor
