Report produced with survey, focus groups data and findings
CHATTANOOGA––The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga’s (WFGC) this month released the report from their community input campaign they conducted over several months in 2025. The organization sought input by collecting more than 500 survey responses and holding focus groups with about additional 40 women contributing their voices.
“We are so excited to share this report with the community. Across all groups of respondents, it’s clear that affordable healthcare, building community, and fair pay are the top concerns of women in our community. Two things we know are clear: women are eager to see systemic change and there is much work to be done,” said Melody Shekari, WFGC’s executive director. “The report findings give us insight into what women in our community are really experiencing and, in turn, that gives us the opportunity to do more research for policy and advocacy solutions that will help fulfill our mission to improve the lives of women and girls in Tennessee.”
Survey responses were anonymous and gave users an option to add comments if they wished. Focus groups were held to get a fuller picture with more perspectives and additional context around the survey data.
“The findings in this report will help inform the Women’s Fund’s future policy and advocacy work,” added Shekari. “ When our organization began in 2008, the work was informed by community input. It’s been almost 20 years since we officially solicited community feedback, and our country, state, and community are in a very different place economically, socially, and politically now.”
The topics of the survey and focus group centered around policy issues in three main categories the WFGC works in: safety, economic opportunity, and health. The organization has been involved in drafting and supporting legislation in these areas with the help of local state representatives. Participants were asked how certain issues personally affect them and what personal and social values they thought were most important.
“We are so grateful to everyone who participated in our community input campaign, especially those who shared vulnerable stories about jobs, housing, finances, healthcare access, pregnancy loss, and more,” said Shekari. “These stories give context, provide shared experiences, and, most importantly, are the catalyst for change we’d like to see in our community.”
For more information about the report, visit https://www.chattanoogawomensfund.org/2025-community-input or email melody@chattanoogawomensfund.org.
The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga is a nonpartisan policy nonprofit that aims to make Tennessee a safer, more equitable state for women and girls. Together, with other advocates and with allied organizations across the region and state, we find ways to improve the lives of Tennessee women in the areas that matter most: economic opportunity, health, and safety. The Women’s Fund leverages advocacy, philanthropy, and a robust network of partners to diminish the root causes of inequity.
For more information on the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, please visit chattanoogawomensfund.org.