Still, not every organization is committed to investing in workers' skills and reorganizing the workplace. Some have opted for another route. And that is why it is also essential to block the low road of unsafe conditions, job discrimination, and meager wages. Fair pay and adequate child care, the questionnaire results reveal, are critical to working women and therefore critical to the country. Providing safe, healthy, and family-friendly workplaces is a national priority.
Much work remains to improve the lives of working women.
But already hopeful signs of progress are emerging throughout the country. The Clinton Administration began making progress almost immediately upon taking office. The importance of this achievement cannot be underestimated, coming as it did after a decade-long congressional battle and two vetoes by the previous President. This legislation is a landmark achievement, the first legislation in decades to honor women's work and put families first. In addition, this year the President signed the Head Start Reauthorization bill, which expands this proven child care program.