The SC Area Council of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) has been recognized for its contributions to working women, entrepreneurs, students, and retirees through networking and educational opportunities. The national organization was founded during World War II in 1949 to support women who were working at a time when it was not socially acceptable. On Thursday, state lawmakers passed a resolution to recognize ABWA’s efforts to enhance women and to reduce gender disparities in the workplace.

Gender Disparities in the Workplace

Published census data shows that although women made up approximately 44% of the total workforce in 2021, they only constituted 41% of managers. Furthermore, women earned about $0.82 for every dollar earned by men. The ABWA aims to reduce these gender disparities in the workplace through networking and educational opportunities, which enable women to succeed in different industries.

ABWA Vice-President, Rachelle Jamerson-Holmes, stated that the disparities in the workplace result from pay gaps and a lack of representation of women in different industries. She emphasized that women should be able to participate in all industries and work remotely from home, regardless of their gender. Jamerson-Holmes hopes that the ABWA’s efforts will reduce these disparities and empower women in the workplace.

Building Civil Engagement

There are four state chapters of the ABWA in Columbia, Orangeburg, Charleston, and Newberry. The organization aims to build civil engagement by visiting the state house and meeting state lawmakers. This will enable the ABWA to address issues affecting working women and entrepreneurs, such as pay gaps and the underrepresentation of women in certain industries.

The recognition of the ABWA’s contributions by state lawmakers is significant, as it marks the first ABWA day at the State House in the US. The ABWA’s efforts to empower women and reduce gender disparities in the workplace are crucial, and their recognition by state lawmakers is an important step towards achieving gender equality.