March is Women's History Month in the USA--a good time to reflect on the status of women today.   Here are a few facts from the U.S. Census Bureau:

  • U.S. Women outnumber men  157.2 million vs. 153.2 million.   Twice as many women are older than 85 compared to men.
  • The median annual  income for full time working women is $36,278 in 2009, up 1.9% from 2008.  Women now earn 77 cents for every $1 earned by men.
  • The highest ratio of women to men earnings are in Washington DC where women earn 88% of what men make.
  • Number of women over age 25 with bachelor degrees or more education in 2009 is 29.9 million compared to 28.7 million men.  Women outrank men in all educational attainment levels except professional and doctoral degrees.
  • 55% percent of current college students are women.
  • There are 7.8 million women-owned businesses in 2007.  Women owned 29% of all non-farm businesses.
  • 66% of female citizens 18 and over reported voting in the 2008 election.   62% male counterparts voted.
  • More women  (23.9 million) worked in the education, health and social services business than in any other fields.
  • 14% of the armed forces are women as of September 2008.
  • Among married couples, 20.7% of the women earn $5000 more than their husbands.
  • 5 million women are stay-at-home mothers (where spouse is in the labor force);   154,000 men are stay-at-home dads.

National Women's History Month dates back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions.    It was expanded to Women's History Week in 1981, and then expanded to a month in 1987.  The trigger issue in 1857 was poor working conditions, what do you think the key issues are for women today?

 

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My grandmother, who has been in poor health and living with me in the past month, has been touring assisted living places and she made the comment last night that in almost all of the places she has been, there have been very few men at the facility. I suppose that having twice as many women over 85 as men may indeed account for this - I will have to share this stat with her.

I think the wage gap is still the biggest issue for me. I've seen it first hand, it's probably my biggest pet peeve and is definitely the reason I became my own boss.

Many large companies that have been mainly in men dominated industries - think engineering & construction, are now making concerted efforts to increase their women executives. That is a step change from 10 years ago. I think you are going to see significantly more gains in the next 5 to 10 years than we have seen in the last 20.

Quote: "Number of women over age 25 with bachelor degrees or more education in 2009 is 29.9 million compared to 28.7 million men. Women outrank men in all educational attainment levels except professional and doctoral degrees." Why No Female President of the United States?

I think the main concerns today are the wage gap, and unrealistic beauty expectations. We have entered the workforce but still carry the notion that we must manage the house as well and make it look effortless. What a crock!

I think today's issue is the pay differences. Based on the statistics listed it has improved over the years but I believe that you should get paid on your ability to do the job and not on whether your a man or woman or for any other reason for that matter.

Yes women are keeping up with men and because of equal opportunities present and the competition is open it is no doubt that women are gaining their momentum and rising to contribute more not only in the family but also in their communities. Statistics have said so.

Salary of course. I have a female relative who is a hospital administrator. She doesn't get paid what her male counter parts get paid, nor can she get promoted to the top spot due to her sex. Sorry to say, but female politicians get the same treatment, being asked questions by the media that would be unthinkable to ask of a male politician.

A very interesting read is by anthropologist Ashley Montague, who is a man, called The Natural Superiority of Women. It refers to both biological and social traits which women carry which are evolutionarily superior to those carried by men. Very thought provoking.

Liz Claiborne Raised in New Orleans, she studied art in Europe rather than finish high school. She worked as a designer in New York for 25 years before founding her own firm in 1976. The company began designing stylish sportswear for working women, then expanded into men's clothing and accessories, ultimately commanding a billion dollars a year. She retired from active management in 1989. Thanks, Mohsin for sharing this piece about another remarkable woman! SG

The status of women today is probably at its highest it has ever been in history and Womens perception of how equal they are is gaining ground. It may well be that it will be many more years before the males perception of how equal we are is in line with our own.

The statistics you have quoted show a great move towards equality and the changing society we now live in!

Unfortunately we still have a long way to go on this subject. The key issue is that we remain united as one voice. Sadly, some women still feel it is not worth it, or don´t have the will to defend these rights

definitely the wage gap for me too- it's a travesty, and is only getting worse!

I am a female painter and struggle to get the same rates as males do.