We can thank equal pay pioneers like Lilly Ledbetter for beginning to smooth out the rocky road of equal rights for women in the work place. I highly recommend every businesswoman read Grace and Grit. This book is a testament to the struggle for workplace fairness and equal pay.
I had the pleasure of meeting Lilly Ledbetter and to get a signed copy of her book. I was struck by how petite and soft-spoken Mrs. Ledbetter is, especially knowing everything she went through at Goodyear. I was thrilled to personally shake her hand and say “thank you” for having the tenacity and courage to stand up for her beliefs. The story of Lilly Ledbetter and her work situation at Goodyear Tire Company is a study in persistence, determination and bravery. How many of us would have had the staying power and courage of Lilly Ledbetter?
The title of her book says it all: Grace and Grit: My Fight For Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond. Her story is a fascinating and extremely truthful autobiography.
If you are more than 50 years old and worked in 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s or even the 1980’s, I’m sure you can vividly remember the discrimination women faced on the job. If you are a younger woman in business, then your road is partially paved with the sweat, and sometimes the tears, of the women who worked outside of the home – especially the women who held nontraditional jobs. Whether you are over or under 50, please make the time to read Grace and Grit. I guarantee you will get a true feel of what it was like for women in a “man’s” workplace.
Mrs. Ledbetter sacrificed much in her life to stand up for her beliefs. She worked her job at Goodyear diligently but was often sabotaged by many of men with whom she worked. One day she found a handwritten note in her company mailbox. That note changed the course of her life. Someone had left her an anonymous note with the amount of money she and three male counterparts were making doing the same job. She was shocked at the wage disparity.
Lilly Ledbetter decided to take action in 1998 and with that handwritten note she began her fight for equal pay. Her efforts were rewarded on January 29, 2009 as President Barack Obama signed into law the The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act.
Her well-written book (with Lainier Scott Isom) also contains the complete Act, additional resources available to workingwomen today and further reading suggestions on the subjects of equal rights and equal pay.
I highly recommend Grace and Grit as a must read for all women in business. I personally believe it is important to read about where we have been so we can better understand how to get to where we want to be in the future.
Join me in Business Coach Forum and let’s begin a discussion.
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Sharon Recommends
Here is a direct link to Amazon.com where you can read more about this book and purchase it online: Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond
Here is a link to the Kindle version: Grace and Grit: My Fight for Equal Pay and Fairness at Goodyear and Beyond
I've purchased this book for myself and my opinions are solely mine. I am also an affiliate of Amazon.com and if you purchase this book through this link, I will earn a commission.
