The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has a proud, 128-year history of advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. As executive director, I spend my days working to ensure that women not only take an interest in the policies that affect them, but also take the next step and fight for those policies.
Can you imagine how much easier life would be with better child care, family-friendly work places, and access to good education for anyone who wanted it? What about equal pay for women—who still make just 78 cents for every dollar men do?
Women may earn less, but their financial load hasn’t gotten any lighter. Nearly a quarter of children live in single-mother households and only about half of custodial parents receive their full child support, meaning that too many of these children can only count on their mother’s earnings.
Of course, getting women involved when they’re already busy with jobs, kids, and elderly parents—not to mention community and volunteer obligations—is extremely difficult. But what better spokespeople for improved work-life balance could there be than the women who are struggling to balance work and life every day?
Fortunately, thanks to technology, it has never been easier to speak your mind and make your voice heard. In just a few minutes you can comment on an article or blog, then forward it to your friends; sign petitions; or, better yet, contact your elected officials—in just two minutes.
Let your representatives and senators know that you care about the issues that affect your life. Read about the ongoing fight for pay equity on the AAUW website, then ask your senators to co-sponsor and support the Paycheck Fairness Act.
Think about how much more valuable your time would be if you were paid fairly for it. You can’t afford not to be involved.
