ANN ARBOR—Southeast Michigan women will share their stories through a new University of Michigan survey designed to learn more about the workforce.

The Michigan Women Work (MWW) project is a research initiative designed to better understand the successes and struggles of women in Southeast Michigan.

?We?ve seen news about unemployment and shrinking business, and less attention has been paid to how women are faring in this economy,? said Lilia Cortina, who is leading the research team and is an associate professor of psychology and women?s studies.

Participants will take a brief online survey to answer questions about their fields and work roles. The web site is www.michiganwomenwork.org. A follow-up survey will be mailed to interested participants.

Cortina said she hopes at least 5,000 women complete the survey, to share both positive and negative experiences in their work lives.

The findings will be published on the group?s website in Fall 2010, and summary reports will be distributed to local organizations.

?Hopefully, this information will lead to better awareness about the unique challenges working women face in Southeast Michigan, leading to effective interventions and positive social change,? Cortina said.