The responsibility of caregiving falls heavily on women in Central Indiana. It has for generations. And today, that demand is growing while support remains out of reach for too many. We know that women are often expected to keep everything together.
From the time we are young, we are taught to care for others, to quiet our needs, and to give more than we have or ask for. By the time we are raising children, supporting aging parents, helping partners heal, or guiding our communities, we are doing it without the structures we need to thrive ourselves.
The State of Women in Central Indiana Report makes this reality plain. Nearly one in four women in Indiana reports providing care to someone with health issues. Black women face the greatest caregiving load, with more than 31% providing over 40 hours of care each week. More than 30% of all caregivers say they feel isolated or unsupported. And access to care is limited. Marion County can meet only 84% of its licensed childcare demand. Next door in Hancock County, it is just 46%.
Layer on top Congress’ cuts to Medicaid, and the pressure only compounds. As reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, changes to state and national Medicaid programs are poised to create more gaps for women already teetering on the edge. Women, especially those in caregiving roles, willfeel the brunt of these policy decisions.
This is not theoretical. It is personal.
As someone who manages caregiving within my own life, I understand the complexity. I also know I have access to support, flexibility and resources that many women do not. This privilege doesn’t remove the emotional impact. It reminds me who is most vulnerable when care systems fail and who must be centered when we speak about solutions.
This is why the work of Women’s Fund matters. We are committed to lifting up those women, to funding the programs and advocating for the policies that see and support them. Whether it’s through accessible childcare, caregiver respite services, or bringing women’s stories to the front of public discourse—our mission is rooted in the belief that no woman should have to choose between caring for someone she loves and taking care of herself.
Thank you for being beside us in this mission.
Tamara Winfrey-Harris
President
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
This article was published within the August 2025 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
