While screening Pioneers in Skirts at a recent international BPW conference, I was excited to hear the message of “it’s time for us ALL to take action!” The story shows the inequities and setbacks women have experienced in the workplace, even after decades of advocacy, still perpetuate today.

It certainly is time to take action...for ALL of us to work towards an equitable culture.

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women Clubs has been advocating for women for 100 years, starting with an ambitious goal of achieving equality for women in the workplace.  Over the years we’ve fought and won many battles, but after a century of lobbying for policy changes within governments and companies, and developing the leadership potential of women – the numbers of women in leadership positions are still dismal.

Although they hold almost 52 percent of all management and professional-level jobs, American women lag substantially behind men in terms of their representation in upper-management positions. Less than 30% are executives, and, of the companies that make up the 2019 Fortune 500 list, 33 have female CEOs. And, American women’s representation in politics is just as paltry!

The filmmakers also dig into what can happen when ambitious girls experience #bias as they grow up, how negative consequences of that bias can be prevented, and, how it’s never too late for a girl to find her ambition again.

Pioneers in Skirts is a film that makes you think and feel like you must, as an individual, take action. Reaching across aisles and instigating conversation, this film is a truly enjoyable documentary that, in my opinion, will change minds and move hearts. 

Sandra Thompson, President

National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.