New times calls for new patterns in the workforce, especially for women.
We are at a pivotal time in our history: A time where the average person checks his or her cell phone at least 110 times a day. A time where vital news can be sent out through a Tweet. A time where we are always connected. Thanks to social media, voices can be heard and voices of others can easily reciprocate, creating a vast online relationship between strangers and acquaintances with common beliefs.
In recent times, the amount of women in the workforce has plateaued since the 1990s. According to the Wall Street Journal, only about 70% of women aged 25 to 54 are working. The majority of the 30% of women who are not working, claim to not be looking for jobs.
Cornell University economist, Francine Blau, exclaims that this may be due to the lack of a generous parental leave as well as a lack in policies that encourage women to work. Since our society has yet to catch up with the policies other countries have already taken on, why don’t we take it upon ourselves to encourage women?
If you missed President Obama’s State of Union Address that took place on Jan. 28, a vital theme of his speech was for the American people to act before Congress takes initiative. He particularity focused on women having equal opportunity in the workplace stating that:
“[A woman] deserves to have a baby without sacrificing her job. A mother deserves a day off to care for a sick child or sick parent without running into hardship.”
A large part of why there are not more women in the workforce is due to family obligations. Sheryl Sandberg, noted author and chief operating officer of Facebook, declares in her Lean In speech that:
“Most people assume that women are responsible for households and child care. Most couples operate that way – not at all. That fundamental assumption holds women back.”
It is time to stop holding back and to start taking initiative. It is time to harness the power social media provides us, and encourage women to participate in the workforce in greater numbers. Women are naturally social, relationship-based creatures. In a world where social relationships matter, we need women at leadership roles. All it takes is a positive push.