I write Women's Business Blog because I am passionate about the opportunities for women in America in the 21st century. I am enthralled by women's history and ravish books on the subject. I am excited to share the news of Gloria Steinem's new book My Life On The Road and Shirley Leung's (Boston Globe) interview.
There are few women who have lived the women's movement the way Gloria Steinem has. Love her or hate her, she has been the leading force for feminism in America. I learned a lot about Gloria and her work when I was researching my book HER TURN: Why It's Time For Women To Lead in America and I know that without her work women's leadership around the world would not be where it is today.
Since I haven't read the book yet, but have read the Boston Globe article, I will comment on her statement that she believes America is finally ready for a woman president. Yes, she is a Hillary Clinton fan, but reports she didn't believe America was ready for her (or any woman) in 2008. I was shocked to read this as I completely disagree and pointed it out in my book at the time. The statistics were as clear then as they are now that women have the qualifications necessary to be president and leaders across the board. The world is a big place, and I know that although women have reached the presidency in other countries that doesn't mean that America is ready. BUT... I do know that America is in a mess and no one cleans up a mess better than a woman....and, YES, you can call that sexist but it is true. I believe that most Americans know exactly what is wrong, but we have different ideas about how to fix it. I know that I believe that when the job is tough enough only a woman can fix it.
Why do I say this? Look at history...American history and world history, and even fictional history. The stories are filled with examples of how women came to the rescue with new ideas and ways to make everyone happy to work together. Please, don't repel with disgust with this statement, but internalize your experience and see the light. Women, do have the ability to bring people together much better than men. You can argue that women aren't tough enough but I'll counter you with my ability to get exactly what I want now that I am old enough to fight for you...and know that the fight is worth the effort. No one fights harder than women when they believe in something....yes; I said it because I believe it! I've seen it, and I won't allow the mainstream media or anyone else to disagree. Women in business and women in politics must realize their power and believe that they have exactly what is needed NOW.
Across the country, we are finally seeing a rise of women in local government. Why? Ask Barbara Lee of the Barbara Lee Foundation. Barbara has been working tirelessly since 1998 to ensure that women get the help they need to represent America in political office. Why does she spend her resources and energy on what too many think is a wasted effort? Perhaps, because she sees, as I do, that our country benefits when women put themselves forward to lead. Women must lead, at least equally to men, in business and politics and everywhere else where society matters.
The fact that only women get pregnant and have the privilege of giving birth to the next generation of American is still as much a hardship as a gift in 2015. This is the saddest statement anyone can make about the future of our country. If men got pregnant 50% of the time, I promise you there would be overnight change in America! Work/family balance would not be an issue but an institution. Families would be given every opportunity to take care at home so that work could be part of the equation. America can only compete if we become an equal opportunity employer and have jobs for everyone who wants one and solutions for families.
I could go on and on as to why women leaders in all sectors are needed now more than ever, but I know you and I will go out and read Gloria Steinem's book and learn why women all over the world are needed to take charge. Whether or not we elect a woman president in 2016, I know that America needs women to lead at every level and I won't give up talking, speaking or writing about it....and I hope you won't either.
