Alliance presents results of women’s survey

MSU’s gender studies department presented the Woman of Distinction award to Joyce Worsham, who was selected from a pool of 19 nominees. The honor is based on a woman’s innovation in positively influencing the lives of other women.

Also at the event, the Ozarks Alliance of Professional Organizations presented the results of its Working Women’s Survey, conducted throughout 2005.

More than 100 women ages 20 to 60 answered eight questions about their professional lives. All participants had earned a high school diploma or GED, and most had a college or graduate degree and were married. Most also had an annual income ranging between $25,000 and $60,000.

The survey results were divided into three categories: barriers, challenges and career opportunities; perceived value and compensation; and available resources.

“We really wanted to find out the perceptions of women in the Ozarks and how they felt about the Ozarks workplace,” said alliance President Lisa Jones. “The other thing we wanted to know was, what kind of challenges are out there, and what can our group do to help working women in this area?”

When asked about career opportunities in the Ozarks, most said their opportunities were unlimited, though other popular responses were that many were not well-paid and that the area had a great self-employment climate.

The top barrier to career advancement was family or personal demands. Other named barriers included education, experience, skill development and paying dues.

Most participants cited time management as the top balancing challenge. Other responses were dependent care options and unrealistic expectations.

When asked about compensation, most women surveyed said they felt their pay was lower than men’s. Others said compensation depends on management, not the size of a company, while others said they were uncomfortable asking about or negotiating their pay.

Most women said their mothers were their most available supportive resources. Other popular resources were women mentors, friends and neighbors, networking groups, loans and reimbursement, quality and affordable child care and business and professional skills training.

The alliance will use the results to focus on several initiatives this year. Organization members will provide business and professional skills training, match women with female mentors who have “been there” and educate women on their options for dependent care for both children and aging parents.[[In-content Ad]]