GIRLS FORUM: Discrimination Can Happen “Anywhere, Anytime, to Anyone”

February 5, 2009 posted by admin [caption id="attachment_1063" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="New Moon Girl"][/caption] The following 5 posts are from members of the Girls Editorial Board of New Moon Girls.  They all live in Minnesota. Dear President Obama, You are now the president of the United States of America, what I had been wanting to happen since the beginning of the election. I am a supporter of women's rights and equal treatment of women. In this year 2009 there are many things that I would like to see change. Incidents of injustice must stop in the United States, and fairness should be strived for everywhere. In all places people of all races and genders should work together, equal pay and things such as fair promotions should be fought for but unfortunately this does not always happen. I strive to change that. Here are some facts about injustice to women that need to change: 

• Twenty-five percent of female workers have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment in the workplace.
• Twenty-seven percent of female workers feel they are paid less than male co-workers who have the same skills and experience.
• 12 percent of female workers said they believed they had been fired at some point in their career because of their gender.
• Thirty-one percent of female workers said they experience discrimination or unfair treatment at least once a week. 
•  Twenty-six percent said they experience discrimination or unfair treatment once a month.

Here are some facts about the most common incidents of unfair treatment:

• Not receiving credit for one’s work.
• Not having concerns addressed or taken seriously.
• Feeling ideas or input are generally ignored.
• Not being given projects that provide worker with more visibility in the company .
• Being overlooked for a promotion.

As you can see discrimination and unfair treatment of women does not happen on a rare occasion or in a certain state or city. It can happen anywhere, and anytime, to anyone. We may not even know about it. President Obama, you've heard my suggestions and ideas. I hope you take them into consideration when making decisions for all of us people who together are the country. Sincerely, Nneoma, age 12 This post is part of a forum