[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 50 (Thursday, April 24, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS TO WORK DAY

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, thanks to Take Our Daughters to 
Work Day, young girls from all over the country will be given the 
opportunity to accompany adults to the workplace. Today, young girls 
will be given the opportunity to shadow an adult mentor--and gain 
experience in a work environment. What better way to enable girls to 
explore their future and gain exposure to a wide range of career 
options?
  The focus of this one day event is to bring awareness to the 
development and education of young girls. Research suggests that young 
girls often receive less attention in school and suffer from lower 
expectations than boys. This difference can affect their self-esteem 
and self-confidence, particularly during the difficult years of 
adolescence. Lower expectations and self esteem can later prevent them 
from achieving their maximum potential. This in turn can hinder their 
own personal and professional development. Therefore, adolescence is a 
crucial time period for adults to intervene in the lives of young 
girls. Adults need to take the time to show girls that they can set 
high goals and pursue their dreams. Today's events will offer 
inspiration and encouragement to millions of young girls--and show them 
that adults are committed to helping them--so they can fully expand 
their horizons and pursue their dreams.
  In 1995, women comprised 46 percent of the paid labor force. The 
composition of the work force has changed significantly, and 
opportunities have continued to increase for women. Despite these 
gains, women's wages, on average, still remain below men's. We cannot 
accept the gap that still exists between men and women. Even though the 
gap is narrowing--we must continue to work on this issue. Women still 
experience barriers to non-traditional career roles. A study by the 
Glass Ceiling Commission found that women occupy only 5 percent of 
senior level management of the top Fortune 1000 industrial and 500 
service companies. Women only comprise 11 percent of the technical 
workforce. This needs to change. America's future depends on it. Women 
need to be encouraged to seize opportunities and explore non-
traditional careers. This includes developing skills that will prepare 
them for high wage jobs and management positions that offer higher 
salaries in the workforce.
  Women are increasingly becoming responsible for the financial well-
being of their families. We need to ensure that young girls are 
prepared for the workforce--and have the opportunity to live up to 
their full potential. We can only do this if we have a community 
effort. Today, more than ever--young girls need role models and 
mentors--so that they can achieve success.

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