Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Check Out Our New National Association Of Professional Women Website!
We are thrilled to announce a new National Association of Professional Women Website! While our old site at napw.com is still looking great, our new online site gives some great information for members and non-members alike. Check out information about the National Association of Professional Women Scholarship Program, or NAPW In The Studio! Members can get NAPW Perks information for some great discounts from leading retailers, and of course if you are not yet a part of our Mentorship Program now is the time to join!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Global Changes for Women in the Workplace
The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily those of The National Association of Professional Women, but are solely of the author of the article below.
Most American women would assume that the battle for equality was slowly ending; after all this is the year 2010 and we do live in what is believed to be the greatest nation in the world. Yet stunning studies show that the gender gap is still an ongoing issue even in the states. Recently a World Economic Forum was held with focus on measuring the gender gap throughout the globe. A total of 58 countries participated in this forum; areas looked at and compared dealt with economic participation, economic opportunity, political empowerment, educational attainment, and health and well-being. One might assume that the United States would rank rather high on the scale for equality; but alarmingly enough- the US ranked 17th. Countries like Sweden, New Zealand, and our neighbors to the North, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and even Australia all ranked higher than the US in this study.
Women in the workplace accounts for nearly half of America’s workforce, at last count 47%. Still, women are treated as secondary citizens when equal pay is looked at. This trend in the US seems to be similar to global findings, as well. According to studies, in both developed and undeveloped countries, women earn an average of 78% of wages when compared to their male counterparts. And for the most part, women’s economic participation lies heavily in jobs that are low paying and offer little room for advancement. The Economical opportunities on the global front are similar to what the US has seen for years; women are treated unfairly due to negative and obstructive attitudes across the business sector. Maternity laws and family matters often inhibit a woman’s advancement in the workplace; women often will be looked over for promotions and advancements more as a punishment for wanting to work and have a family. Currently, the United States has a 12 week unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act that protects a woman’s job when off for adoption or birth of a new child. But unlike other developed countries, the United States government does not require employers to pay their women for time off during FMLA absences; yet another form of punishment for the working class woman. If the United States ranking of 17th for overall equality sends quivers down your spine; then you’re really going to gasp when you hear the US rankings for economical participation for women in the workplace- 46th!
Fortunately all countries represented do agree that education is the number one influence on changing and closing the gender gap in the workplace for women. And statistics in the US does show more women graduating with degrees than men. As well, US statistics show that more of those women graduating are producing better grades and receiving more honors than men. According to recent studies, 53% of all college students in the US are female. However, in the big global picture- we are still ranked 8th for equality in educational attainment within the 58 countries. The National Association of Professional Women is the largest professional female business association in the country!
One can assume that with more and more women graduating from colleges with higher grades than men; they would achieve more economical opportunities than these men. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case- until the US follows in our Nordic neighboring countries’ footsteps; characterized by strong liberal societies, protection of minority rights and a comprehensive welfare system- no doubt women in the US will remain blinded second class workers.
Most American women would assume that the battle for equality was slowly ending; after all this is the year 2010 and we do live in what is believed to be the greatest nation in the world. Yet stunning studies show that the gender gap is still an ongoing issue even in the states. Recently a World Economic Forum was held with focus on measuring the gender gap throughout the globe. A total of 58 countries participated in this forum; areas looked at and compared dealt with economic participation, economic opportunity, political empowerment, educational attainment, and health and well-being. One might assume that the United States would rank rather high on the scale for equality; but alarmingly enough- the US ranked 17th. Countries like Sweden, New Zealand, and our neighbors to the North, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and even Australia all ranked higher than the US in this study.
Women in the workplace accounts for nearly half of America’s workforce, at last count 47%. Still, women are treated as secondary citizens when equal pay is looked at. This trend in the US seems to be similar to global findings, as well. According to studies, in both developed and undeveloped countries, women earn an average of 78% of wages when compared to their male counterparts. And for the most part, women’s economic participation lies heavily in jobs that are low paying and offer little room for advancement. The Economical opportunities on the global front are similar to what the US has seen for years; women are treated unfairly due to negative and obstructive attitudes across the business sector. Maternity laws and family matters often inhibit a woman’s advancement in the workplace; women often will be looked over for promotions and advancements more as a punishment for wanting to work and have a family. Currently, the United States has a 12 week unpaid Family and Medical Leave Act that protects a woman’s job when off for adoption or birth of a new child. But unlike other developed countries, the United States government does not require employers to pay their women for time off during FMLA absences; yet another form of punishment for the working class woman. If the United States ranking of 17th for overall equality sends quivers down your spine; then you’re really going to gasp when you hear the US rankings for economical participation for women in the workplace- 46th!
Fortunately all countries represented do agree that education is the number one influence on changing and closing the gender gap in the workplace for women. And statistics in the US does show more women graduating with degrees than men. As well, US statistics show that more of those women graduating are producing better grades and receiving more honors than men. According to recent studies, 53% of all college students in the US are female. However, in the big global picture- we are still ranked 8th for equality in educational attainment within the 58 countries. The National Association of Professional Women is the largest professional female business association in the country!
One can assume that with more and more women graduating from colleges with higher grades than men; they would achieve more economical opportunities than these men. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case- until the US follows in our Nordic neighboring countries’ footsteps; characterized by strong liberal societies, protection of minority rights and a comprehensive welfare system- no doubt women in the US will remain blinded second class workers.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Statistics on Women in Business
It’s a phenomenon that has taken off quiet rapidly in the last fifty years, women working outside the home. Most of today’s children have both parents working outside the home; the thought of mom staying at home and keeping house is a far-fetched idea that is only seen on rerun episodes of Leave it to Beaver and the Brady Bunch. According to statistics, 47% of all workers are women and at least 72% of those women have minor children living at home.
Statistics also point to more and more women starting their own businesses, as well. Recent studies found that women owned businesses are growing at a rate of 43% between the years of 1997 and 2006; twice the average rate for US firms, in general. Most women owned businesses concentrate on services offered to other women, as well. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 women owned firms operate services in the health care or social service assistance fields. At least another 38% of women owned business is focused in retail.
If one was to look at recent college graduate trends in comparison, the oddity of more female owned businesses starting and opening may not seem like to much of an oddity. The studies show that more women are graduating from college than men. According to recent statistics, only 46% of those attending our nation’s colleges are men. Even more interesting, those women attending colleges and universities are actually receiving better grades and more honors. Elite institutions like Harvard are seeing more women receiving honors than men upon graduation. Professional womens associations, the largest being our own NAPW, are becoming more and more vibrant.
Unfortunately, these statistics mean very little when one studies the overall job and career patterns of women in the workplace. It seems that stereotypical careers for women like teaching, nursing, and administration positions still account for the majority of women in the workforce. According to statistics, at least 50% of those women employed in the US are working in support positions with low paying occupations.
Salary gaps have always been an issue when discussing men and women in the workplace; the causes for this difference has been researched for years by experts, still the average woman continues to make 21 cents less on the dollar than her male counterpart. For those in the higher class brackets, corporate executives and millionaire earnings- even less. According to Forbes 25 highest-paid women, only one would rank in the top 25 if the lists were combined. CNN Money reported that in 2006, only 10 women ran one of the Fortune 500 Companies; and there were only 20 women running businesses in the top 1000. However, as more and more women continue to dominate on college campuses, there’s no doubt the trend will continue to the corporate arena. More and more women will most likely see job trends changing for the better and salary gaps closing; it’s just a matter of time.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of The National Association of Professional Women. NAPW occasionally allows guests and members to post blogs of interest, however these blogs are not those of NAPW.
Statistics also point to more and more women starting their own businesses, as well. Recent studies found that women owned businesses are growing at a rate of 43% between the years of 1997 and 2006; twice the average rate for US firms, in general. Most women owned businesses concentrate on services offered to other women, as well. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 women owned firms operate services in the health care or social service assistance fields. At least another 38% of women owned business is focused in retail.
If one was to look at recent college graduate trends in comparison, the oddity of more female owned businesses starting and opening may not seem like to much of an oddity. The studies show that more women are graduating from college than men. According to recent statistics, only 46% of those attending our nation’s colleges are men. Even more interesting, those women attending colleges and universities are actually receiving better grades and more honors. Elite institutions like Harvard are seeing more women receiving honors than men upon graduation. Professional womens associations, the largest being our own NAPW, are becoming more and more vibrant.
Unfortunately, these statistics mean very little when one studies the overall job and career patterns of women in the workplace. It seems that stereotypical careers for women like teaching, nursing, and administration positions still account for the majority of women in the workforce. According to statistics, at least 50% of those women employed in the US are working in support positions with low paying occupations.
Salary gaps have always been an issue when discussing men and women in the workplace; the causes for this difference has been researched for years by experts, still the average woman continues to make 21 cents less on the dollar than her male counterpart. For those in the higher class brackets, corporate executives and millionaire earnings- even less. According to Forbes 25 highest-paid women, only one would rank in the top 25 if the lists were combined. CNN Money reported that in 2006, only 10 women ran one of the Fortune 500 Companies; and there were only 20 women running businesses in the top 1000. However, as more and more women continue to dominate on college campuses, there’s no doubt the trend will continue to the corporate arena. More and more women will most likely see job trends changing for the better and salary gaps closing; it’s just a matter of time.
This article does not necessarily reflect the views of The National Association of Professional Women. NAPW occasionally allows guests and members to post blogs of interest, however these blogs are not those of NAPW.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Changes and Trends In The Workplace For Women
Please note that NAPW allows members to post articles of interest to our blog. These blog posts do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Association of Professional Women, the largest professional women's organization in the country.
The role of women in the workplace has changed quiet a lot in the last fifty years. Today’s family does good to make it on two salaries; let alone on one. Regardless the reasoning, whether it is due to people’s wants changing or whether it has more to do with equality; the fact of the matter is that women today can be found at the workplace; not at home. Even more shocking, recent financial hardships faced by the US have found more men being lain off than women. It seems that the reported 47% of female workers in the workplace have been able to actually keep their jobs today, unlike their male counterparts. Unfortunately, one trend that seems to lay dormant- pay rates. Unlike male workers, females are still earning only 79 cents on the dollar, regardless of their position or career.
There is some promising news in regards to recent trends in the business arena for women; the US Census Bureau reported that between the years of 1997 and 2002, women-owned businesses grew 20 percent. Recent numbers in 2006 showed the total number of female owned businesses skyrocketing to nearly 10.4 million nationwide; earning a whopping $1.9 trillion in revenue, also important, employing at least 12.8 million people in the nationwide. The majority of these businesses were in the services market, including healthcare and social assistance. Retail, professional, scientific and technical services ranked high, as well. For those wondering about regional and geographic trends; you might consider Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, and New York; the top ranked states in regards to the fastest rise in women-owned businesses, employment, and sales.
Although there is still quiet a gap in earnings in regards to men and women in business; one of America’s top earning females, Avon’s Andrea Jung, recently stated that women would no doubt lead the way out of the recession we find ourselves in at the present time. She stated to Newsweek, “When a woman earns a dollar, the payback is higher. She’ll invest in her children, in their education, health care, and basic needs. The impact of a woman’s role in the economy benefits society at large and that has probably never been more important than it is now.” Perhaps the government and our world leaders should take these words into stride when considering our next stimulus package or when looking for ways to boost the economy- but of course it’s doubtful that this will occur; after all, the majority of those making that decision are male.
The future for women in the workplace looks promising; statistics show that more women are choosing careers in the math and science fields; other than the typical teaching and nursing professions. As more and more girls are taught from a young age that ambition depends on belief in oneself and not governed by their sexual identification; more and more girls will grow up to be driven women.
The role of women in the workplace has changed quiet a lot in the last fifty years. Today’s family does good to make it on two salaries; let alone on one. Regardless the reasoning, whether it is due to people’s wants changing or whether it has more to do with equality; the fact of the matter is that women today can be found at the workplace; not at home. Even more shocking, recent financial hardships faced by the US have found more men being lain off than women. It seems that the reported 47% of female workers in the workplace have been able to actually keep their jobs today, unlike their male counterparts. Unfortunately, one trend that seems to lay dormant- pay rates. Unlike male workers, females are still earning only 79 cents on the dollar, regardless of their position or career.
There is some promising news in regards to recent trends in the business arena for women; the US Census Bureau reported that between the years of 1997 and 2002, women-owned businesses grew 20 percent. Recent numbers in 2006 showed the total number of female owned businesses skyrocketing to nearly 10.4 million nationwide; earning a whopping $1.9 trillion in revenue, also important, employing at least 12.8 million people in the nationwide. The majority of these businesses were in the services market, including healthcare and social assistance. Retail, professional, scientific and technical services ranked high, as well. For those wondering about regional and geographic trends; you might consider Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, and New York; the top ranked states in regards to the fastest rise in women-owned businesses, employment, and sales.
Although there is still quiet a gap in earnings in regards to men and women in business; one of America’s top earning females, Avon’s Andrea Jung, recently stated that women would no doubt lead the way out of the recession we find ourselves in at the present time. She stated to Newsweek, “When a woman earns a dollar, the payback is higher. She’ll invest in her children, in their education, health care, and basic needs. The impact of a woman’s role in the economy benefits society at large and that has probably never been more important than it is now.” Perhaps the government and our world leaders should take these words into stride when considering our next stimulus package or when looking for ways to boost the economy- but of course it’s doubtful that this will occur; after all, the majority of those making that decision are male.
The future for women in the workplace looks promising; statistics show that more women are choosing careers in the math and science fields; other than the typical teaching and nursing professions. As more and more girls are taught from a young age that ambition depends on belief in oneself and not governed by their sexual identification; more and more girls will grow up to be driven women.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Highest Paying Jobs of the Future
Due to the global fall of the economy; there is often wonder about what the future has to hold for all of us. It’s a loaded question and every economist in the world has their own opinions. For many that have lost their jobs, or for those entering the workforce - you may think that it’s a lost cause. However, taking the past few years into consideration and looking at the future; there is hope and one thing we know for sure- there are a few high paying jobs laying in wake…
With all the stimulus packages that are being handed out to these big giant corporations, you can bet that jobs in the accounting field are probably going to be a good option. The government hand-outs are no doubt a scrutinized subject, but for those in the auditing business; you can start counting your job prospects. All that money has to be accounted for -which means there will be no shortage in auditing positions at accounting firms or in-house at big Fortune 500 companies.
There are in fact several other number crunching careers that look promising in the future. For those that lost a great deal in the stock market; they may turn to a financial analyst for help in planning their financial future. As well, small businesses may hire financial analysts to help them with bank loans. Although, the talk on the streets are more banks are lending to small business; the business owners must prove profitability. Financial Analysts are often used to factor allowing small business to receive loans based upon current account receivables.
With more and more baby boomers aging; no doubt careers in healthcare will continue to look promising. Physicians, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners’, and technicians in the medical field all can expect to stay employed for the future and may see a rise in pay. Another major career in the medical career that seems to have high dollar marks attached is those choosing physical therapy. With more and more Americans trying to stay fit and live longer; these jobs are great options for the future, as well.
Careers for both men and women professionals in computers, networking; as well as, engineering are all jobs that have been the least affected due to the turn of the economy. Studies show these careers will stay lucrative in the future, as well. More and more companies are turning to electronics, robotics, and computers to run their businesses; in the long run, it’s much less expensive than hiring actual people. In order for businesses to stay a float, they will need trained and educated networking and system administrators; mechanical engineers, and software designers to develop, implement, maintain, and operate these complicated systems.
For those considering a new career or for those just graduating from high school; there is hope for you and your peers- you just better really enjoy math and science. If not, you may find yourself going from the commencement line to the unemployment line. For some of the best networking opportunities available to women, I recommend checking out NAPW, The National Association of Professional Women, the largest professional female organization in the United States.
With all the stimulus packages that are being handed out to these big giant corporations, you can bet that jobs in the accounting field are probably going to be a good option. The government hand-outs are no doubt a scrutinized subject, but for those in the auditing business; you can start counting your job prospects. All that money has to be accounted for -which means there will be no shortage in auditing positions at accounting firms or in-house at big Fortune 500 companies.
There are in fact several other number crunching careers that look promising in the future. For those that lost a great deal in the stock market; they may turn to a financial analyst for help in planning their financial future. As well, small businesses may hire financial analysts to help them with bank loans. Although, the talk on the streets are more banks are lending to small business; the business owners must prove profitability. Financial Analysts are often used to factor allowing small business to receive loans based upon current account receivables.
With more and more baby boomers aging; no doubt careers in healthcare will continue to look promising. Physicians, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners’, and technicians in the medical field all can expect to stay employed for the future and may see a rise in pay. Another major career in the medical career that seems to have high dollar marks attached is those choosing physical therapy. With more and more Americans trying to stay fit and live longer; these jobs are great options for the future, as well.
Careers for both men and women professionals in computers, networking; as well as, engineering are all jobs that have been the least affected due to the turn of the economy. Studies show these careers will stay lucrative in the future, as well. More and more companies are turning to electronics, robotics, and computers to run their businesses; in the long run, it’s much less expensive than hiring actual people. In order for businesses to stay a float, they will need trained and educated networking and system administrators; mechanical engineers, and software designers to develop, implement, maintain, and operate these complicated systems.
For those considering a new career or for those just graduating from high school; there is hope for you and your peers- you just better really enjoy math and science. If not, you may find yourself going from the commencement line to the unemployment line. For some of the best networking opportunities available to women, I recommend checking out NAPW, The National Association of Professional Women, the largest professional female organization in the United States.
Why Some Women Struggle to Succeed In The Workplace
Please note that the National Association of Professional Women allows guests to post to our blog, however these posts in no way represent the views of NAPW.
According to the latest US Department of Labor Statistics, women are slowly closing the salary gap in relation to mid-level corporate American jobs; however, it’s still an on-going and disturbing number. Research shows that the gap is just over 21 cents on the dollar. So, if a man makes approximately $100,000 a year; a woman in that same position would make $79,000.
To add more fuel to the flame; last year’s Forbes magazine article, The Highest Paid Women in Corporate America, points out even more startling statistics. If you compare the top paid 100 women in corporate America with the top paid 100 men in corporate America; you’ll find that every woman on the list makes at least 3 million a year- not bad. But then take a gander at the top 100 paid men; they all make at least 18 million a year. That’s a big and lofty difference. And if the lists were combined, the top ranking woman would fall down to 9th place; as well, she would be the only woman in the top 25.
Why is it that professional women seem to make less for doing the exact same job? Most experts point to the layering effect that women must deal with on a daily basis when it comes to work and family. Women must deal with day to day conflicts in regards to their personal life that most men would “leave” at home. Women prioritize differently than men and often there are missed opportunities in the work place due to this. Other experts say it’s based upon risk assessment; men are more prone to take higher risks, therefore they reap larger benefits. But more and more research shows that it’s much deeper than that; it’s a matter of gender discrimination starting at birth and often a behavior passed on throughout life by family, schools, and society in general.
Most young children are given toys in reference to their gender; girls are given dolls, boys are given cars. Girls are taught to be nurturing care-givers; while boys are not. Studies have shown that school age children are also discriminated against in regards to gender. Research has shown that elementary school boys are often paid more attention to in regards to math and science subjects; where girls are more prone to have more attention paid to them in subjects such as language arts and reading. The lack of encouragement for girls in relation to fields of science and math may explain why a CNN Money report in 2006 referenced that only 10 women were running Fortune 500 companies.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying your young daughter a doll; however, you should be willing to also buy that same girl a toy car, a globe, or a set of building blocks. Ending sexual discrimination and closing salary gaps all start with baby steps, literally.
According to the latest US Department of Labor Statistics, women are slowly closing the salary gap in relation to mid-level corporate American jobs; however, it’s still an on-going and disturbing number. Research shows that the gap is just over 21 cents on the dollar. So, if a man makes approximately $100,000 a year; a woman in that same position would make $79,000.
To add more fuel to the flame; last year’s Forbes magazine article, The Highest Paid Women in Corporate America, points out even more startling statistics. If you compare the top paid 100 women in corporate America with the top paid 100 men in corporate America; you’ll find that every woman on the list makes at least 3 million a year- not bad. But then take a gander at the top 100 paid men; they all make at least 18 million a year. That’s a big and lofty difference. And if the lists were combined, the top ranking woman would fall down to 9th place; as well, she would be the only woman in the top 25.
Why is it that professional women seem to make less for doing the exact same job? Most experts point to the layering effect that women must deal with on a daily basis when it comes to work and family. Women must deal with day to day conflicts in regards to their personal life that most men would “leave” at home. Women prioritize differently than men and often there are missed opportunities in the work place due to this. Other experts say it’s based upon risk assessment; men are more prone to take higher risks, therefore they reap larger benefits. But more and more research shows that it’s much deeper than that; it’s a matter of gender discrimination starting at birth and often a behavior passed on throughout life by family, schools, and society in general.
Most young children are given toys in reference to their gender; girls are given dolls, boys are given cars. Girls are taught to be nurturing care-givers; while boys are not. Studies have shown that school age children are also discriminated against in regards to gender. Research has shown that elementary school boys are often paid more attention to in regards to math and science subjects; where girls are more prone to have more attention paid to them in subjects such as language arts and reading. The lack of encouragement for girls in relation to fields of science and math may explain why a CNN Money report in 2006 referenced that only 10 women were running Fortune 500 companies.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying your young daughter a doll; however, you should be willing to also buy that same girl a toy car, a globe, or a set of building blocks. Ending sexual discrimination and closing salary gaps all start with baby steps, literally.
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