Working Women Deserve It All by Kadawni Scott

It is bad enough women have to fight for equal rights, equal protection, and fair compensation within their working environment, it is a shame women are not on the same platform as men within the workforce. This disparity unfortunately shows that women are held at a lower standard than their male counterparts. Is there something that is holding women back from receiving the same amount of equality as men? There is a dire need of redirection and questions must be answered in order for women to overcome these barriers.

 Wendy Sachs CNN article entitled “Working Women Know Your Value” includes statistics, quotes, and examples misrepresented women are facing within the workforce. According to Sachs, which was obtained from the American Association of University of Women states that, “woman, after college are already making 82 percent less than their male peers. Not only are women making less but their actions, especially if they remove themselves from work, will potentially develop a feeling of giving up there life long earnings, power, and their self-esteem. Despite the odds women are facing and the constant struggle for equality there are prominent individuals who are uplifting women.

            Sachs includes individuals like Sherly Sandber and President Barack Obama who promote women’s worth. Sandberg has a book called “Lean In: Women, Work and Will to Lead” which includes skills to break through the barriers that are holding them back. President Obama’s contribution includes, signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Thus amends the Civil Rights Act and extends the period women can sue for gender pay discriminations.  These prominent figures have played a substantial role in making women’s worth more notable, however women are still behind the curve ball. Women are still not receiving just compensation for the work they are doing. Sach, Sandberg’s book points out that one of the reasons for this dilemma is internally. It is stated that woman can get squeamish when negotiating for money. This type of behavior is seen as disastrous, and undermines a woman’s value. Women need to work hard and go after what they deserve. A woman should step up, take what she wants and not feel uncomfortable for it. There are many organizations and multi-million dollar corporations where men still do not understand a woman’s worth. Knowing your worth is the majority of the battle. Sach includes a quote from Mika Brzezinski who is the best selling author of, “Knowing Your Value: Women and Getting What You’re Worth says, “It’s a vicious cycle. All of a sudden 20 years go by and you realize, wait, I’m supposed to be making more not less, what happened.”  A woman’s strongest asset is knowing her value and self worth. This is a fundamental principle that should be implemented within any type of relationship. Women are demanding respect within personal relationships, yet there needs to be the same level within the work place. Women deserve it all and women definitely deserve their money.