The Lieutenant Governor of Illinois is launching a new initiative to increase financial literacy for women.

“We Thrive” is led by Juliana Stratton. She says women are already suffering because of the wage gap – and it all compounds in the lack of retirement savings and investment in woman-owned businesses. Early on the program will focus on making sure women are prepared to take care of financial decisions from a young age.

The program will start with group listening sessions all over the state.