Why Celebrate Women’s History Month?

 

 

Let’s look at the history.  For over a century women have been in the forefront, struggling and strategizing for fair treatment in their public and private lives.  Spent stress-filled, anxious hours envisioning a day when they would enjoy the rights all Americans should have. 

Persistent efforts paid off.  Landmark decisions have been handed down regarding the right to vote, equal educational opportunities, birth control, domestic violence and consumer credit practices.

The struggle to end discrimination in the workplace however has been a seemingly insurmountable saga.  In 1961 President Kennedy established the President’s Commission on the Status of Women chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt.   The Commission issued a report in 1963 documenting substantial discrimination against women in the workplace.   The recommendations included fair hiring practices, paid maternity leave and affordable child care that led to: 

·         1963 – Equal Pay Act.  Title VII bars discrimination on the basis of race and sex.

·         1968 – EEOC ruled sex-segregated help wanted ads in newspapers are illegal.  Women can apply for higher paying jobs previously only open to men.

·         1970 - Schultz v. Wheaton Glass Co.  – U.S. Court of Appeals ruled employers cannot change job titles of women workers in order to pay them less than men

·         1974 – Corning Glass Works v. Brennan – U.S. Supreme Court ruled employers cannot justify paying women lower wages because of going market rate.  In other words, a wage differential “simply because men would not work at the low rates paid women” is unacceptable.

·         1978 - Pregnancy Discrimination Act – A woman cannot be fired or denied jobs or promotions because she is or may become pregnant, nor forced to take pregnancy leave if she is willing and able to work.

·         1986 - Meritor Savings Bank v.  Vinson – The Supreme Court finds that sexual harassment is a form of illegal job discrimination.

• 1993 - Family Leave Act - Federal law requiring covered employers to provide employees job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons.  Includes personal or family illness, family military leave, pregnancy, adoption or the foster care placement of a child.

But it does not end there.  The struggle for parity in the workplace spans four decades.   Fast forward to the 21st Century.

• 2009 - President Obama signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act allowing victims of pay discrimination to file a complaint with the government.  Named after a Goodyear employee who alleged and later proved that she was paid 15-40% less than male counterparts.

Women continue to be in the forefront of the struggle for their rights.    This legacy of faith, hope and strength continues with each generation of daughters and has influenced women all over the world.   A proud legacy with impressive gains.  That’s why we celebrate Women’s History Month.

Did You Celebrate Women's History Month?

BAM VP - Be A More Vibrant Person
A daily energizing routine of Breath work, Affirmations, Meditation, Visualization and Progressive Relaxation will help you meet each day more Bold, Awesome, Motivated, Vibrant and Powerful.
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Did You Celebrate Women's History Month?

"I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman" - song lyrics by Helen Reddy

The women's and feminist movement of the 1970's played a pivotal role in the fight for equal rights in the workplace for women: (1) equal work for equal pay, (2) equal opportunity for promotion, (3) breaking through the glass ceiling and (4) moving into senior management.  Having it all.  Now that you have it...how's that working for you?

You already have an important job.  You have a household to run.  Washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning.  Married?  With children?  You have a family to nurture and raise.  And that is a 24-7 job, thank you.  You take pride in this part of your life.  You love what you do and you do it well.

At work you have a career to pursue.  You take on duties beyond your job description.   Present reports, chair committees, attend conferences and seminars for continuing education.  Thanks to mentors in your field you learned the politics of promotion and advancement in your field.  Stay on the radar of the decision makers.  Don't be sidelined to a supervisor role.  Your sights are on a management path.  Director, vice president, senior management.   That's your goal.  You take pride in this area of your life.  You love what you do and you do it well.

Each role in your life brings you happiness.  But together they can be overwhelming.  No one's taking up the slack and no one figured how you were supposed to do it all.  The stress, irritability and mood swings are draining.  In your body, the stress hormone cortisol, if left unchecked will wreak havoc with your immune system.   If you do nothing you are heading toward burnout, illness and disease.

• Make your well-being a priority now.  Learn relaxation methods like breath work, affirmations, meditation, visualization and progressive relaxation to help you manage overwhelm, and handle the problems that cause dis-stress.
• Carve out some time away from responsibility to celebrate you.  If necessary ask for help with the household duties and put a "do not disturb" sign on your bedroom door.  Have breakfast in bed.  Read that novel you haven't been able to get to.  Or go out for a walk and enjoy nature.  Take in a movie.   Lunch with friends.  Get a mani-pedi and/or treat yourself to a massage.  Spend the time doing something that you enjoy.
• Take as much pride in "me time" as you do for your household and career.  Take a time out from worry and responsibility once a week, twice a month, as often as you can.  Love what you do for yourself and do it well. You've come a long way baby and you deserve it.

Celebrate your awesome womanhood every month of the year.   For all that you give and all that you do and all that you are.  You are the reason we celebrate Women's History Month.

So, how did you celebrate Women's History Month?  I'd like to know.