Charleston area women in the lead

April 17, 2007: Today we were privileged to hear from one of our own, Jennet
Alterman, Executive Director of the Center for Women in the Charleston area. Jennet brought great experience to her position six years ago being a broadcast journalist and a member of the Peace Corp. In her presentation she gave us dazzling statistics about where women have been, where they now are, and where they are going.

· 27% of all households are single women

· In 55% of all households women contribute half or more of the income

· Since the 70’s men’s salaries have increased but 1%, while women’s have increased
by 63% [they, of course, were way behind]

· Woman are a driving force in the economy in that:

– They buy 66% of all personal computers
– They buy 55% of all consumer electronics
– They contribute to 80% of all car sales
– They purchase 80% of all ride on lawn mowers.

In South Carolina there are 93,000 firms owned by women who have 11 billion dollars in sales. This state also ranks 13th in the nation in the growth of women in business.

· Women in Charleston County own 10% of the states businesses.
· BUT, overall women’s salaries average 70% of their male counterparts.

ACTION RECOMMENDED BY Executive Director Alterman:

1. Support women owned small businesses.
2. Support efforts to achieve wage equality between the sexes.

Wage inequities include great deficiencies in medical insurance coverage for women workers and their children. Society must face up to the fact that women, in addition to working, are the chief caregivers of both children and their elders. Business leaders must plan for flexible schedules to meet the needs of women.

Reported by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee