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.

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.

Why Networking Works for Professional Women

The National Association of Professional Women allows members and affiliates to post articles of interest to the NAPW blog. These blog posts in no way represent the views of NAPW.

Most of us are aware that networking is important, if not vital, to professional success. Networking everywhere has its place but there are some extra advantages to be found in woman to woman networking. In my opinion, the very nature of being women is what makes it work. Women think like women.

Professional women focus on the relationship rather than on the perceived business benefits. Relationships are the real essence of successful networking. Women, in general, understand relationship building. We understand values like trust, support, empathy and friendship. This doesn't mean every woman gets along with every other woman of course, but I've found that women do tend to open up more to each other and to build relationships quickly and easily.

Women, on the whole, are more relaxed and authentic with other women. It is easy to find things to talk about, including your professional and personal goals, or what you are doing. Asking questions often comes more naturally in an all-woman environment.

Networking woman to woman relies more on that trust factor rather than on pure self-promotion. For professional women who have stayed away from networking out of feeling shy, lacking self-confidence, or simply hating the thought of actively promoting themselves, building relationships and trust with other women is a lot easier.

Professional women understand professional women's issues. Things like self-esteem as a woman in a professional world, balancing home and work life, feeling fulfilled as a person and so on. Professional women take these issues and each other seriously.

For women who may be trying to build a home business, working alone, developing relationships with other like-minded professional women can be extremely uplifting as well as have positive business benefits. It can feel pretty lonely sometimes trying to make it on your own and often family and friends don't quite understand, or you may feel judged. Building a network with professional women who do understand can give you that extra boost to keep going. The other great thing about networking through organizations like NAPW is you never quite know where it will lead, perhaps a new joint venture partner, perhaps an idea for a different direction, or perhaps just a great new friendship.

Joining a women's networking group like NAPW, The National Association of Professional Women, is a great way to learn about new developments and thoughts on professional women's issues too. Attending seminars or meetings can be a great way to really get those relationships happening and to keep up with what is going on in your own field and in other professional areas. Meeting new people, finding out what others are doing can keep you inspired and spark off creative energy.

Whether you are on the look out for a new job, just want to help other women succeed, or want to get your business and yourself noticed networking is incredibly powerful. This is not to say professional women should not be networking with men - they should, simply that in my personal opinion woman to woman networking adds extra value all around.