Becky

 

I think way back when, in the 50s and 60s, it was odd for women to pursue a profession. I was born in 1960 and my mother had already gone to grad school, completed her masters, and pursued a profession. My father was a lawyer. Both encouraged me to do the same. I did. But I have many friends my age who were brought up differently who unfortunately now, encourage their daughters to learn how to wiggle their butt and keep themselves thin in order to catch a good paycheck in the form of a man who will marry them. But I think that these days those sorts of moms are fewer and farther between.

 

Sometimes I think we need regulation (although I generally abhor more government intrusion) on offering men similar "pregnancy leave" opportunities and such. However, I think the companies that are notable to work for have already solved this problem. They give either parent ample time off, they do not refrain from hiring women because they might become pregnant but instead, encourage women to bring their children to work with them, etc. A friend of mine, who works for a very large PR firm in Manhattan, was featured as one of three women with children on a 20/20 segment several months ago. She brings her two youngest to the office with her, the company provides playrooms and daycare free of charge, etc.

 

It is this kind of effort that will equal the field so sometimes I think government intervention would be a really bad thing. The company that values my friend's expertise has found ways to ensure that her and other similarly talented women stay with the company with no government intervention needed. And the companies that don't do this? Well, they