The work of women was pivotal to the success of America in
the war, “Women in uniform
took office and clerical jobs in the armed forces in order to free men to
fight. They also drove trucks, repaired airplanes, worked as laboratory
technicians, rigged parachutes, served as radio operators, analyzed
photographs, flew military aircraft across the country, test-flew newly
repaired planes, and even trained anti-aircraft artillery gunners by acting as
flying targets. Some women served near the front lines in the Army Nurse Corps,
where 16 were killed as a result of direct enemy fire. Sixty-eight American
service women were captured as POWs in the Philippines. More than 1,600 nurses
were decorated for bravery under fire and meritorious service, and 565 WACs in
the Pacific Theater won combat decorations. Nurses were in Normandy on
D-plus-four” (NationalWW2Museum.org). Despite their outstanding work, women
were forced to return home to care for their families, and relinquish their
jobs to men who returned from battle. Sadly, women are still expected to step
aside in order a to support the professional advancement of men. Whether it’s
giving up her career to be a stay-at-home mom so her husband can work, or a
co-worker allowing her male colleague to take credit for her idea that earns
him a promotion, women’s aspirations are constantly put on the back burner. After
years of fighting for equity in the
workplace, and at home, “The time is long overdue to encourage more women to
dream the possible dream and encourage more men to support women in the
workforce and in the home” (Sandberg, pg. 11).
The importance of professional support within the workplace is paramount for success, particularly for women, as I have mentioned. However, the need for support when it comes to other aspects of life that impact a woman’s work are just as important. Women are often expected to do everything, have a job, care for their families, keep a perfect house, and make an America’s Top Chef worthy dinner for their Mother-in-Law should she decide to come for dinner. This is an archaic gender stereotype. The expectation that women are to manage all domestic responsibilities and work full time is enough to instill panic in any aspiring female professional. According to Lean In, “In the last thirty years women have made more progress in the workforce than in the home. According to the most recent analysis, when a husband and wife both are employed full-time, the mother does 40% more housework than the father. A 2009 survey found that only 9% of people in dual-earner marriages said they shared house...
Comments
Post a Comment