(2023)
In the United States, March is a month designated to celebrate the contributions of women in society. Historically, women were not given the same privileges and benefits as men. For an example, it was not until the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920 that women had the right to vote. The Equal Opportunity Act of 1972 prohibits employment discrimination against women, and other minorities. However, according to the Pew Research organization in 2022, women earned on an average 82% of what men earned. Women continue to make inroads into traditionally male dominated careers such as accounting, engineering and actuarial science, even though most leadership positions in these careers are still held by men. We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Let's discuss...Women's quest for equal representation and reciprocity in society continues to make inroads. According to Liz Elting, a Forbes contributor, women make up 10% of CEOs in top United States corporations. Since women make up 50.5% of the United States population, this statistic does not show equal representation, but it is deserving of praise.
The overall goal of women's rights is for women to have access and the opportunities to pursue their career goals based on their abilities and not be held back due to gender. Observances such as the Women's History Month are ways to celebrate and remind us of the significant contributions women make to the world.
During Women's History Month, your community may offer various programs to celebrate the achievements of women. Be on the lookout for advertised events in your community on the Internet, Eventbrite, Meetup, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Join the celebration!
Emory University recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their Center for Women and gave out Women of Excellence awards.
The United Negro College Fund presented its President's Award to Dr. Johnnetta Cole, the first female college president of Spelman College and the former president of Bennett College.
References:
Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizelting/2023/01/27/new-year-new-glass-heights-for-the-first-time-in-history-over-10-of-fortune-500-ceos-are-women/?sh=79eccb55e77f
Women's History Month - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_History_Month
Nineteenth Amendment - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nineteenth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
Pew Research - https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2023/03/01/gender-pay-gap-facts/#:~:text=The%20gender%20gap%20in%20pay,%2D%20and%20part%2Dtime%20workers.
Equal Opportunity Act - https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
Dr. Johnnetta Cole-photo courtesy of https://twitter.com/UNCF/status/1631786526232178688.