Bad News on the Economic Front Can't Stop Women's Success
Posted: September 15, 2008, 10:33 PM by Leslie Grossman
This morning we awoke to another crisis on Wall Street....the news that Lehman Brothers appeared to be going into bankruptcy and Bank of America was buying (or saving) Merrill Lynch. All this on the heels of Hurricane Ike's devastation. Fall 08 seems to be coming in ferociously. All this in the midst of a presidential election that is full of attacks, innuendoes and fear. On top of this WLE hosted with Aetna a morning breakfast program featuring NYC Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney discussing her book "Rumors of our Progress have been Greatly Exaggerated" - not exactly a fairy tale. But if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you can't make things better unless you face the truth. The Congresswoman's book lays out the facts about how women's progress has slowed down...and stalled in recent years even as we have made cracks in the glass ceiling. The book gives us a sober look at what's not working for women - the non-passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, pay inequity on all levels from blue collar to white and even green collar, ie the Lily Ledbetter case; and much more. But what makes the book great is that she doesn't just complain, Congresswoman Maloney actually gives us action steps to change the situation and make things better for women, families, and girls. Rep. Maloney shared insights of her book passionately with the women in the audience. And if you were one of those women, I know you agree that you left inspired to help change the situation. The Congresswoman herself left the WLE breakfast to attend a press conference with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and other women leaders to call attention to the wage gap's impact on women in New York and around the country. Congresswoman Maloney said "Equal pay is not just a women's issue, it's a family issue. The wage gap is particularly painful as families are struggling to buy groceries, to fill their gas tanks, and to make ends meet on stagnant wages. The GAO's report shows that the federal government must do more, not only to enforce fair pay laws, but also to strengthen them further. I'm proud of Senator Clinton's leadership on this issue and I look forward to working with her to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would empower women to negotiate better pay and would toughen penalties for employers who break the law." To create change, we must know the realities and then commit to make things better. We each can play a role in this.
Reader Comments
Posted: September 26, 2008, 12:40 PM by sabina
Here is a link to an article from a woman's point of view during the Lehman Brothers crisis.. http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/h/a/a01913.html
Posted: September 17, 2008, 01:30 PM by David Leffler
I write a column in an ABA magazine for solo lawyers, giving advice on marketing, technology and other issues related to running a law practice. For their April/May 2008 issue I wrote a column entitled "Recession 2008: Ten Steps Solos Should Take Right Now."
Many of the suggestions can be used by other business owners, so I am providing a link to the column here in the hopes that readers of this blog will get some benefit from one or more of its suggestions:
http://www.abanet.org/genpractice/magazine/2008/apr-may/beingsolo.html
My one suggestion here is, keep focused on your business and don't be bothered by the headlines. Business goes on no matter what is going on down on Wall Street, and small businesses are far more nimble than big companies and thus are more often better able to weather a crisis in the economy.
Posted: September 16, 2008, 08:15 PM by Lehman Wife
WLE - I appreciate the reality check and in fact, we've been having alot of conversations like this one over the last few days. My husband works at Lehman and let's just say it's been a crazy last few days. The latest news on the Barclays deal will definitely help me sleep better at night though. I actually wrote a story about what happened this weekend and it got picked up! You can take a few steps in my shoes by reading it if you want at www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/h/a/a01913.html
Thanks again!
Posted: September 16, 2008, 03:16 PM by Rose
It's important to think outside of the box. Life is filled with trials and it's important to be able to meet these problems as challenges and do whatever it takes to survive while helping those we can help survive, as well, even if it's giving them a word of encouragement and providing guidance if someone seeks our help. It's not a world about me any longer, but it's now a world about all of us finding ways to stay positive and move forward.
Posted: September 16, 2008, 12:20 PM by Christine
I wish the authors of this blog would stop writing about all the gloom and doom. You're supposed to be empowering women, not continually talking about how bad it is for women. I am unsubscribing.
Ladies, it's up to each of us to create our own opportunities and happiness! It's time to stop complaining about it and make changes happen. If you don't like what's going on in your company, start your own or work somewhere else. Women can do whatever they want in this country if they have the guts to step out and make it happen. Is change going to be uncomfortable? Yes. But complaining about it only serves to keep you where you are.
Christine
Posted: September 16, 2008, 06:30 AM by Sarah Merians/ Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company
Thank you WLE for starting my day with a big dose of reality and optimism in one.
As a fellow business owner with daily financial challenges, yesterday was a scary day to say the least.
Who knows what today will bring?"
Thank you Leslie and Andrea for creating this forum to share with our wonderful group of ladies.
I agree on coming up with solutions. That has been my mantra this year and will continue to be. We all have problems (challenges), especial in these tough times... our energy, positive attitude, and coming up with solutions is truly a great first step.
Good luck today ladies and WLE thanks for being thewre for us.
For those of you going to the spa retreat this Friday... see you in Bermuda!!
Sarah
