Successful working women keep track of important matters in
the news. However, we are not one-dimensional. Some of us also want to keep up
with celebrity gossip and fashion news too. Even in the era of the Internet and
24 hour news shows and E!, it can be challenging to keep up with everything.
Fortunately for you, I make it my job to keep up on articles
of interest to working moms and when I find notable ones, I share them with
you. Below is one that sparked my interest. It questions President Obama’s
support of working mothers.
Do Federal Policies Support Working Mothers?
Admittedly, I am a supporter
of President Obama. I am also a liberal.
Still, I try to read periodicals from both points of view. It is well
documented that President Obama supports equal pay for women. Indeed, Mr. Obama had Lily Ledbetter, an equal
pay activist speak the 2004 Democratic National Convention and the Lily
Ledbetter Act was one of the most significant pieces of legislation of his
first term. (See, Equal Pay for Equal Work)
And, in his most recent State of the Union Address, President Obama said “when
women succeed America succeeds.” Indeed, a current White House fact sheet says,
“When women
succeed, our families succeed and America succeeds. President Obama believes
that ensuring that women earn equal pay for equal work is essential to
improving the economic security of our families and the growth of our middle
class and our economy.” (See, White House Fact Sheet)
These things all suggest
that our President is strong proponent of women’s rights. I believe that he is.
However, this article suggests otherwise based on the employment policies
implemented by the federal government during President Obama’s tenure. Specifically,
it discusses the lack of uniform flexible work policies at certain federal
agencies. Even though I disagree with the writer’s politics I think it
highlights an important point. Working mothers need flexible work policies. Beginning
the discussion is the first step. The next
step for the federal government will be creating a workplace that can serve as an example to corporate
America.
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