Posted by joyinhome on November 30, 2009
I stumbled across the Women’s Debate Institute this morning while conducting a search. WDI’s mission is to close the gender gap in debate by creating a robust community of girls and women who love debate.
The WDI’s president talks about how after age ten, girls begin to lose their confidence and basically diminish in some ways during puberty. Co-founder is a young man…interesting…
Posted in Advocacy, Education, Feminism, girls | Tagged: equality, gender roles, Politics, power | Leave a Comment »
Posted by joyinhome on November 24, 2009
Finding a job is tough… in any economy. So if you’re looking now, it is NOT 
pretty. YWM however encourages job-seeking women (and men) to use this time to re-evaluate the type of environment that you need for your next career step.
Things to consider:
Answer these questions and do your research. Make your next workplace one that is supportive of your life commitments. Take great care to target companies that boast innovative workplace policies and pratices- those are the ones that support women, families, veterans.
A happy employee is a great one- employers recognize this even if they are slow to act.
Posted in Career Advancement, Economy, Families, Feminism, Successful Workplaces, Successful Workplaces Digest, Workforce Development/HR, Worklife Balance | Tagged: Career Advancement, Economy, paid sick leave, Successful Workplaces, unemployment, work-life balance | 2 Comments »
Posted by knbarrett on November 23, 2009
According to experts, Gen Y believes that work-life balance is a right not a perk. A recent survey found that Gen Y rates work-life balance as the most important characteristic of an entry-level job. It’s not just about flextime or telecommuting, Gen Y are demanding a range of tools to “integrate” or “blend” the various spheres of life. As Jon Alsop, author of The Trophy Kids Grow Up, writes:
[Gen Y] want the whole shebang: flextime, compressed work weeks, telecommuting, home offices, job sharing, part-time options, maternity and paternity leave, and occasional sabbaticals.
The recession doesn’t seem to be deterring these demands, either. Typically, priorities such as work-life balance drop during economic downturns. Not so with Gen Y. Tracy Lynne Drye, Senior VP at Universum USA, notes:
This generation is both unafraid to ask for things older generations didn’t and that a decent work/life does actually improve effectiveness.
BPW Foundation wants to hear from you, Gen Y women. What are your thoughts on work-life balance? What are you asking for to integrate “work” and “life” ?
What does work-life balance mean to you?
Posted in Career Advancement, Economy, Families, Feminism, Gen Yner, Research, Successful Workplaces, Uncategorized, Workforce Development/HR, Worklife Balance | Tagged: Career Advancement, economic crisis, equality, Gen X & Gen Y, Successful Workplaces, work-life balance | Leave a Comment »
Posted by egehl on November 20, 2009
This week I shared the concern of many others when I heard about the mammography guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. They are now advising women not to receive routine mammograms during their 40s because of too many downsides. Many doctors and breast cancer survivors fear that this will discourage women 40-49 from getting a mammogram, and even more troubling that insurance companies could adopt these new guidelines and not cover the procedure.
Women are voicing their concerns about this announcement, especially those whose lives were saved because they got a mammogram in their 40s. They warn all women to heed this report with caution and not jump to any conclusion thinking they can ignore their breast health until 50. In the news this week a number of doctors voiced their outrage and concern about the ripple effect this announcement could have on women’s health.
In their statement, the task force says that for every 1,000 women in their 40s who receive routine mammograms, two cases of cancer are detected and 98 women will have “false positives”. In other words, the mammogram will pick up something that looks like cancer, but further testing shows it’s not cancer. They go on further to say that routine mammograms for women in their 40s aren’t worth the downsides, such as false positives and the exposure to a small amount of radiation.
While the task force recommendations aren’t government policy, and women and their doctors can still make decisions based on individual circumstances, it’s still unnerving that this encouragement is out there. Mammograms are the most important measure to detect and prevent breast cancer, and women waiting until they are 50 to get a check up could face detrimental consequences.
What’s more concerning is that insurance companies, which pay close attention to the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, could now start refusing to pay for mammograms for women in their 40s based on these new guidelines. It costs $640 and up to get a mammogram without insurance, and that will discourage women even more than the task force report.
If a woman’s insurance decides not to pay for a mammogram she should raise the issue with her doctor and fight the ruling. The decision of a task force should not be an automatic green light to cut back on coverage, especially when each woman’s circumstance is so unique.
I hope that women in their 40s will do what’s best for them and consult their doctor for expert advice. Only you know your body best and how the history of your family could impact your likelihood of getting breast cancer.
Women should not consider these guidelines as an easy pass to delay getting screened for another ten years. Instead be mindful of your own risks and take the necessary precautions as advised by your health care professionals.
Posted in Health, mature workers | Tagged: breast cancer, mammography, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Robin Mallery on November 20, 2009
Affirmations are spoken imagery from a positive point of view. Before we use affirmations, it is beneficial to first become aware of our ongoing internal dialogue or self-talk. We have decades of practice with the tendency to engage in negative self-talk! The practice of positive affirmation will shift this internal dialogue into a pleasant, supportive means of nurturing yourself while becoming more familiar with optimism and compassion.
Positive affirmation, also known as Cognitive Restructuring, effectively counters the harmful cycle of negative self-talk because of selective awareness—we are really only able to hold one statement at a time in our mind. Cognitive Restructuring is an acquired skill that requires practice! The primary purpose of affirmations is not to change objective reality, but to change subjective reality. As you strive to change your mind, feelings and behavior, you can design affirmations to offset the negative self-talk statements. Positive affirmations are even more powerful when used together during the relaxation response practice.
This article was submitted as a guest blog by Robin Mallery, RN. Robin is the vice president of the Nevada County Chapter of BPW and the founder of HeartMatters. She is passionate about sharing the opportunity for optimal health with women who are so valiantly juggling work, family and self. Please check out her business information and blogs at www.heartmatters.pro.
Posted in Health, Lifestyle, Uncategorized | Tagged: health prevention, women, women's health, work-life balance | Leave a Comment »
Posted by joyinhome on November 19, 2009
This morning, I read an article that discussed the absence of women in the global debate about climate change. At the core of the missions of many women’s organziations is the belief that if you improve the life of a woman, you have improved the life of her family and her community. I whole-heartedly believe that; women have always been the heart of families and communities.
Experts believe that climate change disproportionately impacts women in part because traditional domestic responsibilities usually fall on women and girls. Women are the primary caretakers of families and main managers of everything from food production to water management in their households. They are the ones who cook, clean and farm for their families, in addition to providing health care and hygiene, according to the United Nations Population Fund.
A fascinating example of the impact of climate change upon women, is the lack of water as a natural resource. Women and girls in the developing world are tasked with water collection for their families and travel long distances to get it. Droughts are increasing that distance and as a result, millions of girls are unable to go to school.
“If the voices from the women’s rights movement don’t pick up this issue–loudly, clearly and unanimously–climate change will not only drown out countries, but the agents of change, women, with it. And that is simply not an option.”
Let’s make our voices heard on this issue, as one of the many that disproportionately impact women and girls and ultimately families. Share your story and opinions with your representatives through BPW Foundation’s Advocacy Center.
Facing a Changing World: women, population and climate – United Nations Population Fund report
Posted in Advocacy, Families, Feminism, Global, green | Tagged: environment, equality, family, gender roles, green, international women, Politics, women | Leave a Comment »
Posted by egehl on November 18, 2009
Last week First Lady Michelle Obama held a health care event at the White House to talk about the importance of health care reform for senior women. Older women face unique health related challenges and have an important stake in reform. 
The event highlighted the importance of helping women access the care they need as they age and to provide aging adults with affordable, reliable, quality health care. Michele Obama was joined by Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Health Reform Office, Tina Tchen, Executive Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls, and three women who shared their personal stories and struggles to find health care coverage due to the unique challenges that older women face.
The women who spoke talked about how our current health care system is not working for older women and why maintaining the status quo is not feasible or acceptable. Women aged 55 and older have unique health care needs and are particularly susceptible to rising health care costs. They are especially discriminated against because of preexisting conditions and even with insurance they are struggling because of rising out of pocket costs. On top of all of that, senior women must be able to pay for more expensive prescriptions.
Senior women have an important stake in our health care system being reformed especially since women live longer, are more likely to live in poverty and face unequal wages throughout their career.
All women need health reform, but older women face special challenges that make it imperative that Congress must act and complete health care legislation.
Posted in Advocacy, Health | Tagged: health care reform, michelle obama, senior women, White House Council for Women and Girls | Leave a Comment »
Posted by ywmguest on November 17, 2009
Imagine a world where bruises and broken bones no longer keep mothers from caring for their children…
Imagine a world where girls can get an education without being abused on their walk to school…
Imagine a world where women can go to work without fearing violence in the work place….
Imagine a world without violence against women.
One out of every three women worldwide will be physically or sexually abused during her lifetime with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries – from rape to domestic violence and acid burnings to dowry deaths and so-called honor killings.
In addition to being a human rights violation that knows no cultural or national barriers, violence against women is a major cause of world poverty. It keeps the backbone of the world economy – women – from getting an education, working, and earning the income they need to lift their families out of poverty. The link between economic opportunity and reducing gender-based violence is clear: research shows that giving women in poor countries the ability to earn an income empowers them to escape abusive situations.
The good news is that violence against women is preventable and that there are proven solutions that work. Recently, Nicole Kidman testified before the House of Representatives urging Congress to pass the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA), a bill that, if passed, would comprehensively incorporate these solutions into all U.S. foreign assistance programs solutions such as:
Developed by lead Senate sponsors, Women Thrive Worldwide, Amnesty International USA, and the Family Violence Prevention Fund, with the help of over 150 groups around the world, the IVAWA would make ending violence against women a diplomatic priority for the first time. By investing in local women’s organizations overseas that are successfully working to reduce violence in their communities, the IVAWA would help empower millions of women in poor countries to lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of poverty.
Mckenzie Lock is Senior Communications Manager for Women Thrive Worldwide.
Posted in Advocacy, Feminism, Global, Politics | Tagged: International Violence Against Women Act, IVAWA, Mckenzie Lock, Nicole Kidman, violence against women, Women Thrive Worldwide | Leave a Comment »
Posted by joyinhome on November 16, 2009
According to the World Health Organization, unsafe sex is killing women and girls around the globe. HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among women between the ages of 15 and 44; unsafe sex is the biggest risk factor. The death rates of women in their reproductive years occurred in low-income (22.3 percent) and middle-income countries (15.4 percent).
We must become advocates for ourselves and/or for our girls. HIV is a preventable disease. If abstinence is not possible, safe sex is a no brainer. It’s time to start talking and sharing information. We can not afford to remain silent- our lives are at stake.
Resources
www.theredpumpproject.com
Kaiser Family Foundation HIV-AIDS Resources
AIDS.gov
The report, Women and Health: Today’s Evidence Tomorrow’s Agenda, focuses on the health and circumstances of women worldwide – specifically, women’s health needs and their contribution to the health of societies.
Despite considerable progress over the past two decades, societies are still failing women at key moments in their lives; mostly women in poor countries and the poorest women in ALL countries.
Posted in Advocacy, Education, Families, Feminism, Global, Health, HIV AIDS | Tagged: equality, Gen X & Gen Y, gender roles, health prevention, international women, sex, women, women's health | 1 Comment »
Posted by knbarrett on November 16, 2009
Ladies, the numbers are on our side. Study after study demonstrates the positive correlation between women in management positions and a company’s financial success. As Katty Kay argues, the more women in a company the better the odds of business performance.
What’s more, the looming talent shortage is causing employers to pay attention to their Gen Y workers. Over the next 20 years, talent will be the most important corporate resource. According to a McKinsey & Company report, it’s also in short supply. Companies can’t afford to ignore Gen Y’s demand for new rules of engagement.
It’s a win-win situation for Gen Y women, right? Companies need Gen Y and they need women, perfect! The only problem is that no one really knows what Gen Y women want. Books, articles, and experts abound with “5 easy steps” to attracting and retaining Gen Y. There’s a gaping hole, though. Little to no thought is given to how Gen Y women’s career expectations and desires are different from their male counterparts.
BPW Foundation seeks to address this gap. BPW Foundation has a history of researching the issues and workplace practices that lead to a successful workplace .Through its Young Careerists research project, BPW Foundation is exploring what Gen Y women need to be successful in the workplace.
Over the next month, BPW Foundation will post twitter questions and facebook polls on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. We want to hear from you:
Our first question is. . . How do you define success in the workplace?
Posted in Gen Yner, Q4U, Research, Successful Workplaces, Uncategorized, Workforce Development/HR | 4 Comments »
