Are women really treated equally in the workplace? No!

Today is Women's Equality Day.  Women have made strides beyond belief in the past century, and it's safe to say that there is really no job a man can hold that a woman cannot, anymore.  In 2006, of the 118 million women in the U.S. ages 16 and older, 70 million of them (almost 60%) were either working or looking for work.  Yet, as of last year also, women still make only 77 cents on the dollar of what men make.  Here's a sad fact:  in 2006, only 15.6 percent of the Fortune 500 companies' corporate officers were women, and only 14.6 of their board directors.

Although there is rarely obvious discrimination to speak of, behind the scenes, there is an attitude that is still looming.  It is normal for a boss to go out with fellow managers to lunch, but it's still faux paus if he takes his pretty secretary.  It's acceptable for a woman to advance in her career, but when it comes down to a longterm and pretigious position, there are whispers behind closed doors about her engagement ring, or her wedding ring, and whether or not maternity leave would be a concern.

I've seen it happen.  In fact, I can hardly think of a position I've held where there wasn't a row of white-haired, white men along the wall, in the posh offices, and I've been asked to bring coffee to them, or go out and get lunch for them.  When I wasn't a secretary.  Not that I'm sure secretaries should even be doing that anymore.  And I've been encouraged to gossip with others, to find out who is not working enough hours, who wasn't really sick that time, who surfs the internet in the morning.  I've heard an employer say that a woman is having too many babies.  I've heard an employer say that they feel like terminating someone just because their healthcare costs are too high.  These things are said and those of us who are told them think instead about our mortgage, or our children, or something at home, and we ignore the weight of what was said because we have to worry about our own jobs, and who signs our paycheck.

I believe that any of us can fight the corporate ladder and win.  But do we sacrifice our morale or our dignity in doing so?  Do women struggle harder with the dog-eat-dog mentality it takes to get ahead, and is that why we're left behind?


1.  Know your rights, and what you're worthy of making.  According to an IMRB survey, 78% of women agree to take lower salaries in comparison to men, and 67% don't bother asking for a raise or a higher position, even when they know that they deserve it.  It is important to know what you're worth!!  Go to Monster.com's Salary Wizard:  you can find out how much people in your field and your zip code are making, and what you deserve to make!  Monster also has some great career advice articles for negotiating your salary.

2.  View the action alerts at the National Organization for Women's site, where you can help women get their fair pay through petitions and contacting legislators!

3.  You can put the following graphic on your MySpace or website to raise awareness about women's role in the workplace!



Here's the code:  <A HREF="http://www.connietalk.com/equalpay.html"><IMG SRC="http://www.connietalk.com/equalpay.jpg"></A>

4.  Wear your cause!

_{^{The data in this article was composed from:
(1)}} U.S. Department of Labor
⁽²⁾ The Census Bureau
⁽³⁾ 2006 Catalyst Census