The United States is "the only
advanced country on Earth" that doesn’t guarantee "paid maternity
leave to our workers."
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every
year. It is also referred to as International Working Women’s Day. Since I am a
working mom on a quest for balance in stilettos, I have to pay homage to this
day on this blog.
As I have said a number of times, workplace equality
is the premier issue of our time.
America is making progress with workplace equality
Fortunately, recent
developments suggest that we are making progress. Since last year our president
has made addressing issues facing working families a priority. The White House
has issued “Work-Life
Balance and the Economics of Workplace Flexibility” and hosted the White House Summit on Working
Families. Also, President Obama declared a commitment to working families
in his latest State of the Union Address.
There is
momentum. The White House’s message has been heard by politicians from
Seattle to Pittsburgh. Indeed, the city and county government in Allegheny
County have decided to provide 6 week paid maternity leave to its workers. This
isn’t everything, but it is a great start.
Here's to women!
