[JustJo]

This is a little off base, I know....but I'm getting ready to turn 49 this week, was raised by a mother we called "the feminazi", and my first (unsuccessful) political efforts were directed at pushing the ERA through...

I guess that's the long way of saying that none of this surprises me.

I'm a single mother, and have worked my whole life. In fact, I've never been supported by a man...not even a father. For me, women have always been the breadwinners...and have never made pay on par with men, even for the same work.

About 8 years ago I decided that, to get out of the "female pay" rut, I had to either get an advanced degree, or grow a penis. I opted for an MBA. I'm sure I make less than most men with MBA's, but at least it gets me in "male pay" range in general.

I was also struck by what was said about powerful mentors. That's the truth. And, I just lost mine when she resigned this week. My immediate reaction was to seek out another one....and I've initiated that relationship. He's higher ranking and better connected than my last one...and that's on purpose.

Women aren't going to be handed pay equality. We have to be tough and smart about it personally, while we continue to advocate for it politically.