Target: Jerry Brown, Governor of California
Goal: Support the rise of women as business leaders.
Fairness for women in the workplace represents one crucial component of the overall progression of gender equality, as brought to light by this ForceChange petition and other tireless advocates. In an important precedent, California Governor Jerry Brown answered these resonant calls for reform by opening up significant opportunities for women in corporate leadership roles. Governor Brown’s newly signed law will require all public corporations in California to include women on the board of directors…or face consequences.
At present, an estimated one-quarter of California corporations do not have a single female in these critical roles. This stunning lack of representation for the individuals who make up more than half of the American population is not exclusive to California by any means. The percentages of women in corporate board or other senior leadership positions hovers at below 20 percent nationally, with only a scant six percent of women serving as CEOs. These troubling numbers mirror an equal lack of female representation on the world stage, despite the fact that study after study demonstrates a marked increase in performance for companies headed by women.
The new California law will ensure this equality gap diminishes significantly. By next year’s end, every publicly traded company in California will have at least one female on its board or risk significant financial penalty. Within three years, a board of five will include at least two women in its ranks, while a board of six will see half of its board filled with female leadership.
Sign this petition to thank Governor Brown for taking this important stand in progressing a national dialogue on gender equality.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Governor Brown,
“It’s high time corporate boards include the people who constitute more than half the ‘persons’ in America.”
Truer words were perhaps never spoken. By signing the landmark bill crafted by Senators Jackson and Atkins into law, you confronted one of California’s most shameful legacies head-on while putting your state at the forefront of an important national and world conversation.
Women still hold an appallingly low number of business leadership positions around the globe, with the numbers sinking to about twenty percent worldwide. Unfortunately, as stated in your public comments, it is “crystal clear that many are not getting the message.” On Sunday, you sent a positive and transformative message to this and future generations of young women that the American Dream is still open to every individual.
Thank you for your action in a time when inaction seems the norm, and please continue being a passionate advocate for all Americans.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Steve Wilson
do the same thing with other states or else!