FMLA
Partnership
FMLA
Handbook
| The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was a tremendous step forward in terms of family care. The end of the 20th century has witnessed remarkable gains in the fight for equality and overall social justice. Women no longer find themselves confined to their homes because of the few alternatives for family care. Childcare is an expensive and sensitive subject for most young parents striving to provide the best for their children. Out of economic necessity many women do not have the means to stay at home and care for their children. Single parents and double wage earners struggle to allot time to adequately care for their children, spouses, and other family members. Legislation that works for families is an extraordinary victory for women. FMLA defines men as potential employees who are able to take paternal leave, which is an additional step toward equality as the government recognizes the responsibilities of both parents in the care for their families.
Women continue to fall short of equal pay, suffer from sexual harassment, and remain in the lower and middle ranks of business. Legislation that fights for the equality and the protection of women and other minorities, is the first step to effect change and it must be recognized for its exceptional capacity. |
Copyright Molly Egan, Jason Wood; Lehigh University 1999