As more women enter
the workforce, the issue of equal pay for equal work “comparable worth.”, or
the re-evaluations of the social value of “feminized jobs,” can be a game
changer, as both candidates will need the women’s votes to win the elections. Joe
is a strong advocate for women’s rights. He strongly believes in the basic
principles of equality and fairness. When elected, he plans to represent the
women in the 4th congressional district and fight for equal rights
for women across the nation. Whether it be supporting the Affordable Care Act,
which protects a woman’s access to fundamental health services and makes sure
gender is no longer a basis for denying or limiting care; fighting against cuts
to WIC and other programs that deliver assistance to women and children who
need it most; defending the funds for Planned Parenthood and for critical family
planning services that too often come under political assault; and championing
polices like Violence Against Women Act, his fight for women’s right will
enable a supportive path for all women across the nation.
Over the past several years, the gender pay
gap has decreased. However, the gap of true pay equity is still significantly
high. Women in the workforce contribute a significant amount to the economy.
What Joe represents is a possibility for women to be treated fairly and
equally. Joe proposes a 7 point plan for fighting for fairness for women, as
women rights is not only a civil rights issue but an economic priority for the
entire country as well.
1.
Equal
pay for equal work
For many years, women have received a
better return for their contributions in the workplace compared to their male
counterparts. The gender pay ratio continues to be significantly high as women
with advanced degrees earn 77% of what their male coworkers earn. It was not
until the 112th Congress had voted against women receiving equal pay
for equal works, of the importance of women’s rights. It
worries many, especially working women, the injustice women receive in the
workplace. In the United States alone women constitute half of the workplace
and are principal earners in 4 out of 10 households. How is congress going to
mandate these women’s rights?
Joe, if elected in office, first
proposes that women should receive equal pay for equal work. He establishes the
importance of the president’s passed law, called the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay
Act, to the male population. He encourages the American population on their
duties in ensuring women get the pay they deserve. Joe’s advocacy will
challenge congress to abolish discrimination women face in the work place and
strongly support Paycheck Fairness Act that requires employers to demonstrate
that pay differentials are not gender-related, and prohibits them for
retaliating against workers seeking equal pay.
2.
Women,
the Economy, and Workplace Flexibility
Women in the United States, tremendously
affect the economic growth. Accounting for more than half of college and
graduate school enrollees, women are pioneers of entrepreneurships,
representing 30% of small-business owners, creating business at 150% the
national average and produce firms that account $1.2 trillion a year in sales.
Not only are women in the United States breadwinners, their responsibility
demands them to be caregivers in the private sphere. In the act of minimizing
women and men discrimination in the workplace, Joe’s proposal is to modernize
the workplace to meet the needs of America’s workforce. He will accomplish this
goal by providing paid family leave and help ease the burden on working women
and their families.
President Obama has set at aside $50 million in his budget. Obama’s budget will
help find alternative solutions for Americans without having them choose
between supporting a family and caring for one.
3.
Early
Childhood Care and Education
In the United States, a family of two
parents pay about 14.2% of childcare while a single mother pays an astonishing
53.6% of her take-home pay. It
is unbelievable the amount of money parents pay for a single child, not alone
two or three children. However, a child’s development is crucial in early childhood
education yet a percentage of families cannot afford early development for
their child/children. How are working families and supporting women able to
sustain a work family balance yet provide excellent care and quality education
for their children?
Joe proposes, under his leadership, to
use the $50million granted by Obama’s administrations in winning the Race to
the Top Early Learning Challenge, in doing more in protecting and expanding on
such programs, as well as closely examining ways to improve their efficacy.
4.
A
Woman’s Right to Choose
In the past two years, Massachusetts has
witnessed unacceptable assaults on women’s health. Joe’s strong advocacy for
Planned Parenthood ensures critical health services for women.
Joe believes in granting all women full
access to health services and support for a woman’s right to choose as in Roe
v. Wade. He
firmly believes that women should be allowed to make important choices
regarding their lives and health in consultation with their doctors. A woman
should be entitled to full accessibility to health care options, including
contraception, maternity and newborn care and confidential health services.
Joe’s leadership will champion the course of woman to make these independent decisions
about their body.
5.
Protecting
Women’s Health
Fifth on the agenda, is Joe’s stand on
Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act delivers essential every day care
to women and children. About 19% of no-elderly adult Massachusetts women and
31% of Massachusetts children rely on MassHealth.
The importance of the healthcare system provides women the opportunity to access
affordable health care services such as birth controls, mammograms, cervical
cancer screenings, etc...
6.
Strengthening
the Violence Against Women Act
Since the landmark Violence
Against Women Act (VAWA) became law 18 years ago, Massachusetts has witnessed
marked improvements in responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual
assault, and stalking.
Joe, as a former prosecutor, supports revitalizing the VAWA, which expired in
2011, and strengthening the existing laws which provide improved protections
for Native America women, immigrant women, and same-sex couples. He also believes
that regardless of ethnicity, heritage or sexual orientation, everyone person
who lives in America should be free from the threat of violence.
7.
Women
in the Military
Lastly, Joe is interested in increased
participation of women in the military force and that their rights should be
protected. It is estimated that by 2025, women will account for 25% of U.S
armed forces. The diversity in the military will be filled by the most
qualified personnel, regardless of gender. Unfortunately, there have been cases
of more women who are either sexually assaulted or harassed during their military
service, and end up leaving the military. Joe will push congress to change the
culture that finds outcomes permissible and ensure the military is adequately
prosecuting perpetrators.
In addition, Congress should concentrate on the 1.2million women veterans and
the challenges they face with homelessness and veteran-housing for their
children. Women soldiers have brought courage, hard work, skills and diversity
to their ranks. Joe believes they deserve policies adapted to better meet their
needs.
Analysis/Critique
on Opponent: Sean Bielat
As mentioned earlier, Joe is running
against GOP candidate Sean Bielat. Joe and Sean
have two very different beliefs regarding Women’s Rights. In the candidate’s
first televised debate on WCVB, Sean, a prolife advocate, stated that congress
should repeal Roe v. Wade. It is because, like most Republicans, particularly
the religious right, Sean believes it is the right way to make legislation for
sweeping social changes through legislators and voting processors.
Speaking on behalf of women voters in
the USA, my rights as a woman would be in jeopardy under the leadership of
Sean. Why? Although, Sean believes in the social and political movement for
saving a life, the entitlement a women has over her body would not be a right.
Regardless going or not going through an abortion, health concerns such as rape
and the endangerment to a women’s health would not be seen as an important
issue to Sean and his team. A question some may wonder is whether Sean values
equality for both men and women, whether it being health concerns or in the
workforce.
In the candidate’s last debate, Sean
informed his female audience about his understanding of women’s issues to be
different from that of Joe. He hears issues that matter to all and believes the
concerns on paying for the bills; helping family growth; paying for the
children’s education are all women issues. Questions concerning how national security looks like or how it should
look like? Sean believes are also women’s issues.
In the debate, Joe criticized his
opponent by restating his strong support for women’s ability to access safe and
confidential healthcare as it is a basic constitutional protection.
Joe’s fight for fairness for women ensures women to have equal opportunities,
as do the male population. The rights of women need to be fought and preserved
as women constitute the majority of the population.
Work Cited
Enloe, Cynthia & Joni Seager (2011).“The Real State of America Atlas”Mapping the myths and truths of the United States. Penguin Books. USA (pp.52)
Joe Kennedy’s Campaign Website: “Fighting Fairness for Women” http://joekennedy2012.com/fighting-for-fairness-for-women/
