LS&Co. Unzipped
Mar 07 2011
We've Come So Far, But...
When I started my career – let’s say – “a number of” years ago, more than half the people in my department were women. This was in the finance organization of a major U.S. carmaker. Having so many female colleagues was, I thought then, both amazing and promising.
But guess what happened?
Over the years, the numbers dwindled. And while each woman who left the workforce had her own reasons, a common theme was a lack of employer support and flexibility. How often could a mother take time off to care for a sick child before it was…too often? And 14-hour days leave little time for the family.
Today is International Women’s Day. (A national holiday in some countries, by the way.) And I’m pleased to say that, during my career, I’ve seen a tremendous amount of progress in terms of how women are treated in the workplace and, for that matter, in society as a whole. Not only do women have flexibility they didn’t have just a few years ago – allowing them to be both mothers and successful employees – they’re achieving more.
For instance, I left that auto manufacturer as chief financial officer of its North America division. And I’m now a senior vice president at Levi Strauss & Co. These are positions that women in my mother’s generation could’ve likely never held. So, yes, progress.
But there’s more to do. Just look at the Boards of Directors of any major company, mine included. More often than not, you’ll find mostly men. Some great guys, I might add. After all, there’ve been plenty of men who’ve mentored me along the way, allowing me to get where I am today. But…again…there’s more to do.
And that’s why I’m proud that the head of this company has signed on to the CEO Statement of Support for the Women’s Empowerment Principles. The principles originated at the United Nations and offer guidance to business on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.
President & CEO John Anderson is committed to advancing opportunities for women at Levi Strauss & Co. – and in society. And his support was key to my taking on the role of sponsoring an internal task force to implement those principles here at LS&Co.
To be sure, there are women around the world, particularly in developing countries, who face much worse challenges – even oppression and physical harm – than my female colleagues and I do. We are very fortunate in that respect. My heart goes out to them. And it’s one reason I’ve chosen to work for a company that champions human rights and social justice everywhere it does business, including in the factories of our suppliers whose employees – largely women – make our clothes.
My 23-year-old daughter, Katie, recently entered the workforce. She’s helping young women on the margins of society obtain the skills they need to succeed. I’m thrilled to see her take such a direct role in improving the lives of women. And I’m also excited about the progress I’m confident she’ll witness – and help drive – in the lives of women of her generation.
We’ve come so far, but we’re not there yet.
Posted By: Mary Boland, Senior Vice President, Finance & Distribution, Global Levi's® Brand |
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Patty DeDominic (not verified) - Oct 18 2011
Many of us baby booming women have helped make history. We graduated from law or business schools, medical and engineering schools to the point where women are more than half the class. We run households, city councils, govern states and run multi million dollar enterprises. We HAVE come a long way from the young mother who was not even allowed to vote when My own father was born! something we need to keep in our mind and our hearts as we encourage others in education, public service and global economics. We can't take that progress for granted and must remember that the rate of change was not "natural" evolution. Womens rights and access to opportunities took intense effort by many fearless women and some great men. Thank you for continuing to speak out and for helping other women who want to lead and utilize their power in ways which empower, clarify, and illuminate. As Americans we still have much to learn about collaboration and about life balance with sustainable incomes, but we can also inspire others and continue to serve as role models for the world. As the former president of the national association of women business owners I see that your corporation plays an important role in the success of American economics. You continue to give back and I want to thank you for doing your best. By providing the platform to motivate and enable others to improve themselves you personally, and the corporation, inspire and empowers. Www.womensfestivals.org. Founder Patty DeDominic
Enter Your Name (not verified) - Mar 10 2011
Yeah apparently we are not there yet. I was really happy to see you have a Made in the USA line now, but when i clicked on the email, I saw it's only a men's line. Being a woman, I will not be buying those, and I'm very disappointed.
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