May 19th, 2007
Another warning bell that we have a lot of work to do locally if we are going to be successful in leveraging the potential of a changing workforce:
Omaha women an increasing source of talent, but few become leaders
Study shows glass ceiling still an obstacle in Omaha
A study conducted by the Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha, titled “Women & Leadership in Omaha,” reveals little has improved over the last 10 years for women seeking leadership opportunities in Omaha.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Nebraska ranks third in the U.S. for percentage of women in the work force; however, the Women’s Fund study shows the number of women holding leadership positions is not evenly represented and is not growing in Omaha.
“Omaha’s male-dominated corporate culture remains the top barrier for women seeking leadership positions,” says Ellie Archer, executive director, Women’s Fund of Greater Omaha. “And balancing work and family is increasingly more difficult and continues to be a major obstacle for advancement.”
Increasing the leadership opportunities for females in Omaha is not only good for women and their daughters, it’s good for the bottom line. A national study done by Catalyst showed that Fortune 500 companies with the highest percentage of female corporate officers saw, on average, a 35.1 percent higher return on equity and 34 percent higher return rate to shareholders than companies with the lowest percentages of female corporate officers.
“Women are an important source of talent,” says Archer. “There are long-term implications for young women, women currently in the work force and the Omaha business community as a whole if we don’t take action now.”
More women are entering the work force and graduating from higher education institutions than ever before. For example, 60 percent of graduate students enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Omaha this year are female. These, and other well-educated women, may leave Omaha to seek better leadership opportunities elsewhere.
The study objectives were to measure current female participation in leadership and compare the findings against a similar baseline study which was conducted by the Women’s Fund in 1996. Interviews were conducted with male and female leaders from corporate, healthcare, education and non-profit organizations in Omaha. The goal for the study is to launch the discussion and ultimately drive change to increase the depth and breadth of female leadership in Omaha.
The Women’s Fund is calling on Omaha business and civic leaders to develop and promote advancement opportunities for all women and girls. Improvements in work/life integration policies and networking and mentoring opportunities top the list of recommended culture changes necessary to help women flourish as leaders in our city. The full report and list of recommendations and resources is available at www.omahawomenwork.org.
Some time before, I really needed to buy a car for my business but I did not earn enough money and couldn’t buy something. Thank goodness my father adviced to try to get the loan from banks. Thus, I did so and used to be satisfied with my financial loan.