07/05/2002

Professional Gains for Women

A proud dad wrote to me recently about his daughter's accomplishments, noting that her strong work ethic and impeccable credentials haven't necessarily been enough to bring her the recognition (promotions) she deserves. Sometimes less qualified men are promoted instead.

According to Dad, "My daughter's story is an example of how women are still second class citizens.

"Anne (name changed to protect privacy) has a BS degree and is a computer whiz. After college she found work as a computer analyst for our city-run utility company. She worked for 7 years, when in this so-called enlightened age the company brought in a man, gave him a different title for the same job and had Anne train the guy. He became her supervisor even though he wasn't qualified.

"Anne went on to receive her MBA at night with the hope that somehow this would make a difference, and she would finally get a promotion. She didn't. Well, Anne's husband said, "Quit," so she did. At age 32 she applied to law school, made it and graduated with honors. She now works for the state and is doing fine except that with all her education and a work ethic that is talked about by all the lawyers and judges she is still passed over by underqualified men.

"Anne's story stems back to our country's history, which is full of discrimination against women. Luckily they were able to vote since 1920. What a disgrace. I'm an old ex-iron-worker. You can tell by my text that I was lucky to graduate from high school. Yet I love history, and I believe in truth. Not sugarcoated stories, just truth. We scream about the Pledge while important issues of the day are on page B-4. It's wrong.

"Now 43, Anne is still waiting for that promotion. Becoming a lawyer didn't change a thing. It's the system and believe me it's still in place."

Note from Beth: In my experience working in schools, some of the stereotypes have broken down. There are more and more male teachers, even at the elementary level, and more and more female principals at all levels. At higher levels of management, I've noticed more women superintendents, too, although I think it's still rare to find women in the top positions of authority in school districts or at the helm of corporations.

Leadership positions in education have become so politicized, however, it's getting harder and harder to find anyone, man or woman, who wants to take on the long hours, bureaucratic red tape and harsh public criticism leveled at the public schools. I admire the dedicated men and women who take on these leadership positions to protect the rights of all children to a free and appropriate public education.

How are women faring where you work? Are there examples out there of businesses, both for-profit and non-profit, that promote based on merit and offer equal pay for equal work?

LINKS:

• Women CEO's
  
• Women Rising in Management - or Are they?
  
• Women School Superintendents
  

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Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.