What can you do to empower women?

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther
• Position: From the Editor - Editorial

We are all lucky to live in a state home to many dedicated, talented and ambitious professionals like those represented in this year's 30 Women to Watch feature. These accomplished and inspiring leaders are changing our businesses, communities and state. Read their stories beginning on page 66.

While we at Utah Business are honored to highlight the accomplishments of these outstanding 30 Women to Watch, we also believe it's our responsibility to examine the persisting and troubling gaps between men and women in the workplace. A recent Utah-focused report published by the local YWCA and Institute for Women's Policy Research found that though many great strides have been made toward enhancing women's roles in the workplace, there's still much work that needs to be done--which, unfortunately, has been the story for too long. You can find the entire report, "The Well-being of Women in Utah," by visiting www.iwpr.org.

I recently discussed the report with YWCA CEO Anne Burkholder, who acknowledges that she has more questions than answers when discussing women's evolving roles in our businesses, government and community. While she has much to say about the troubling issues often discussed, such as compensation gaps, lower education levels and lower political participation, what I found most compelling was her response to what business leaders can do to empower women. Here's her message to business leaders:

"Women have received messages from girlhood about their value and their possibilities in life. Challenge attitudes and beliefs that disrespect their value, narrow their life possibilities and discourage them from developing as whole persons. Suspend negative judgments about women who work, whether by choice or necessity. Working women are contributing to the economic health of their families and their communities, and developing skills that we need for Utah's future...