Women in Federal Workforce Face More Obstacles Than Men

A new report finds women face more challenges reaching top positions and salaries

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Despite years of gains toward equality, women in the federal workforce experience more challenges than men, according to a government report released on Thursday.

The report, from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, said that the biggest obstacles hindering women’s advancement to top positions was a lack of flexibility for women raising young children and a lack of mentoring and training for top jobs.

According to the AP, women make up 44 percent of the federal workforce, but just 30 percent of senior executive service positions.

Women earn roughly 89 cents for every dollar a man earns, which is better than the private sector, the report said, but the pay gap is worse among minority women.

Among the recommendations are that federal agencies offer different start times for workers and expand telework policies and satellite work centers to reduce commutes. The EEOC recommends formal mentoring programs and track increases in opportunities for women.

[AP]