However, the most frequently described inequities, those that seem to weigh most heavily, are systemic. Time and again, women describe a work world that still compensates women in almost every job and profession at a lesser rate than men, defines jobs done primarily by women as less valuable, and fails to acknowledge that women are mainstays in both the workplace and the home. However, I take my job very seriously and I am entitled to receive the same compensation and consideration for what I do as does any male working in a comparable capacity in the nation. The questionnaire surfaced a number of issues and concerns that are shared by working women from both the popular and scientific samples. Health care insurance for all ranks as the number one priority for change.
Stress ranks as working women's number one problem.
Almost half of the respondents of all ages and family situations support paid leave as a priority for change. Vacation and sick leave benefits are inadequate. We heard a consensus for change across occupations and incomes, across races, ages and regions. Many of the problems women shared with us are also issues for working men. While some of the obstacles respondents wrote about stem from discrimination, others reflect the trend toward a workforce anxious about job insecurity, declining benefits, and stagnant wages.