As women in America we have come a long way since the beginning of our country, and we are probably the most advanced nation when it comes to female rights (I say probably because this is in the eye of the beholder and in the coming weeks I will address international law as to how it pertains to female rights...I’ll let you decide). However, with advancements come change. And change can not only effect or impact one gender, it can also impact both genders and many American institutions (i.e.: our government, corporations, faith-based organizations, etc....). The real question is, are those affected by changing female roles and female advancement keeping up? According to the The Shriver Report (co-written by Maria Shriver and John Podesta, President for the Center for American Progress) and the round table on Meet the Press (MTP, Sunday 10/18/09, including Ms. Shriver, Mr. Podesta, and Valerie Jarrett, White House Council on Women and Girls) those impacted by women taking on a greater role in our society, are not keeping up with the changes as well as they should. Below are just some highlights discussed on the program. I encourage you to go to www.mtp.msnbc.com and watch the entire segment. It is truly enlightening. I’ve since ordered the report and will probably use some of their findings (which was not only based on their research but information from a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study and other information from The Center of American Progress) in future essays and blogs.

WOMEN IN THE WORK FORCE (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

WORKING WIVES MAKING MORE THAN THEIR HUSBANDS (Shriver Report)

• The Shriver report wisely states that it is no longer a “battle between the sexes” as it is a “negotiation between the sexes”
• Corporations need to not view themselves as just “family friendly” if they offer greater benefits to women, but realize this is just plain smart business
• Although the role of women is changing, women are still expected to play a greater role in both child and elder care. Corporations need to be more sensitive to these issues
• Although women are increasing in numbers when it comes to the workforce, they are still paid significantly less (no statisitics were given during the interview. I hope to find dollar/cent ratios in the report and share them at a later date. The last statistic I’ve seen is women are paid .77 to the dollar compared to men for the same job)

WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR WORKING PARENTS TO BALANCE JOB, MARRIAGE, AND CHILDREN

• Women fear asking for more flexible hours. In the UK, it is a law that employees have the right to address this issue with their employeer (ATTN CORPROATIONS- Let’s get a head of the governtment before they mandate it!)

IMPACT OF FEWER STAY-AT-HOME PARENTS ON SOCIETY

(Note: on a recent Dr. Phil show, the issue of Stay at Home Moms vs. Career Moms was discussed. Their statistics indicated that children raised by working parents tend to be better at communicating and socializing. I can research these findings and others if you are interested. And NO I do not sit at home and watch TV all day! I knew this topic would be discussed and taped it. :)  )

• Government and politics are considered a lagging indicator when it comes to keeping up with the changes of female roles in our society. I believe a perfect example of this is how both Senator Hillary Clinton and Govenor Sarah Palin were treated in the recent national elections.
• Part of the reason women do not choose to advance in politics, and some other male dominated roles (particularly the C-level) is because they view success and power differently than men, and are not interested in “getting kicked around”. Their roles are tough enough.

So, based on these findings and other information from The Shriver Report, another question raised is, “What can we do as American institutions to keep up with the changes and ensure the impact is positive?”  According to the panel on MTP, spotlighting it is a great beginning.

I’m asked many times, especially by men, why I believe my services are unique or for that matter even needed. Today I felt a little vindicated. I, like so many women across this great country recognize the advancements we’ve made. But they are not enough. American women may be leading the pack when it comes to positive female advancement (and if you want to feel good about how well we are doing, read the book “Half the Sky, Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” to see how difficult women have it in developing countries....WARNING- you will cry) but in order for these positive changes to continue, those around us must realize that they too must change. I believe in the quote below that I found in the book “Half the Sky”:

“In the nineteenth century, the central moral challenge was slavery, In the twentieth century, it was the battle against totalitarianism. We believe in this century the paramount moral challenge will be the struggle for gender equality in the developing countries.”

We may have it good in America, but let’s continue to be a role model and instead make it GREAT!