Despite significant strides in recent years, women today earn 21 percent
less than men according to a March 8, 2017 report by Sonam Sheth and Skye
Gould in “BusinessInsider.” Women also continue to be underrepresented in
the boardroom, top executive positions and the fast-growing field of
technology.
Studies have shown that part of the reason this inequality persists is that
when girls reach early adolescence their self-esteem drops significantly.
During this stage, girls become focused on their appearance and how boys
will perceive them. This often inhibits them from competing with, or in
front of, boys. As a result, girls fail to develop the know-how and the
confidence necessary for competing later in the job market.
Another reason women are underrepresented and earn less is that despite
changes in recent generations, girls are still subject to stereotypes
concerning marriage, raising children and certain occupations. Such
stereotypes steer girls, often unintentionally, into traditional paths and
roles regardless of their interests and abilities.
For these reasons, Take Our Daughters to Work Day was created in 1993 by
the Ms. Foundation. The purpose was to help girls realize the importance of
their abilities and to reach their full potential.
In 2003, the observation was officially changed to Take Our Daughters and
Sons to Work Day, to be inclusive of all kids. Now, kids have the
opportunity to experience the workforce one day each year, helping them to
envision what tomorrow has to offer.
On April 26, be a part of this nationwide event and empower your daughters
and sons for a bright and fulfilling future.
A day at work with your kids
On Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, get your child off to a good
start by having your child dress accordingly and arriving on time. Avoid
having your child just observe by setting aside some tasks to keep her busy
throughout the day.
Also, try some of the following:
-
Have your kid keep a journal throughout the day, describing different
aspects of the occupation he likes and dislikes and why. -
Ask your daughter to compose questions about the occupation and interview
coworkers. Topics might include the pros and cons of the job, why coworkers
chose the occupation and what their day entails. If she is shy or opposed
to the idea, don’t force it. You want her to leave with positive feelings
about the day. -
Describe to your child hypothetical problems or situations that might arise
in your job, and ask him for ideas and solutions. -
Help your child write a letter and an occupational questionnaire. Then have
him prepare them for mailing to businesses and professionals in occupations
of interest. Be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a
response, and mail them at the post office after work. -
Give your child a camera, a Polaroid if possible, to take photos throughout
the day. Then have him compile a Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
scrapbook. He can include descriptions of each photo and what she learned
or discovered. -
Visit yourfreecareertest.com where your child can do a free online survey
to discover what careers fit her personality and interests. Then she can go
to kids.usa.gov/teens/jobs for career information designed just for young
teens. -
Help your child create a career folder and design forms to track school
classes, grades, career interests and experiences, honors, awards and other
relevant information for preparing for a secondary education or joining the
workforce.
Alternatives for taking kids to work
Not all kids will have the opportunity to participate in Take Our Daughters
and Sons to Work Day. Talk with family and friends, mentioning that they
can volunteer to take a child to work who otherwise won’t have the
opportunity.
If you’re unable to take your child to work, help with a political campaign
or get involved in a community service project in which your child can
still have the experience.
Give your child alternative opportunities if he has interest in a
particular occupation. If you know someone in the field, ask if your child
can go to work with her for the day. Or ask a nearby company what it’s
planning for the day and how your child can participate.
Other ways parents can participate and promote the day
Taking kids to work isn’t the only way parents can participate. By doing
the following, parents can make the most of the day for all kids,
highlighting the significance of the day and its importance to their
future.
-
Promote Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day by writing a letter to the
editor of your local newspaper to create awareness. -
Form a committee in your community or at work to promote the day, and plan
events to make it a success. -
Create fliers to remind parents of the upcoming day, and post them on
community bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores and banks. Also, ask
companies to post them in their break rooms or on employee bulletin boards. -
Ask your employer to support the event, and discuss ways the company can
provide an enriched learning experience. Assist in planning special
activities for girls and boys throughout the day such as speakers, group
discussions or a luncheon. -
Organize a speaking engagement in your community to share with parents the
importance of the day, ways they can participate and what they can do when
they take their kids to work.
