INITIATIVE

WOMEN and ECONOMIC FREEDOM

The Policy Circle is proud to champion a groundbreaking initiative focused on Women and Economic Freedom. This effort seeks to bridge the gap between academic insights and real-world application, promoting understanding, sparking discussion, and supporting policies that enable women to thrive in entrepreneurial and civic spaces.

Economic freedom is more than an idea—it’s a pathway for women to access capital, drive business, and make meaningful impacts in their communities. By addressing key challenges and reducing restrictive policies, The Policy Circle aims to foster a dynamic, inclusive economy where women can achieve their full potential.

AMPLIFYING WOMEN’S ECONOMIC FREEDOM

The Policy Circle’s Women & Economic Freedom Initiative is built on three main components designed to spark meaningful change and raise awareness about the importance of economic freedom for women:

THE POLICY BRIEF

This foundational research explores the complex issues surrounding women’s economic freedom, including access to capital, the role of government versus the private sector, and the broader implications for public policy. Developed in partnership with SMU’s Bridwell Institute for Economic Freedom, the Brief fuels our initiative and serves as a critical resource for discussions and policymaking. 

FEATURED EVENT

The Women and Economic Freedom event brought together scholars, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss the importance of economic freedom for women and share findings from the initiative. Featuring presentations and panel discussions, the event highlighted key insights from the Policy Brief and their implications for advancing women’s economic empowerment.

CLER FOR ENTREPRENEURS

The Policy Circle’s Entrepreneur Initiative helps female entrepreneurs become more civically engaged by offering the Civic Leadership Engagement Roadmap (CLER). This program provides tools for influencing local policies that impact their industries, such as economic development and zoning. Through mentoring, small group sessions, and access to a network of decision-makers, women are empowered to advocate for a supportive business environment and drive impactful change.

ONGOING ENGAGEMENT

The Policy Circle’s network offers women opportunities to participate in follow-up discussions, access exclusive content, and connect with civic and business leaders who support economic freedom. Through events, online discussions, and additional programming, this initiative fosters constructive dialogue and collaborative policy efforts, ensuring that women’s voices remain central to shaping a thriving economy. Want to partner with us on this initiative? Email Randan Steinhauser at [email protected].