That's no way to treat a lady

South Carolina is one of the worst states in the nation for women.

That assessment came in a report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research. The report ranked the Palmetto State low in women's political participation, employment and earnings, as well as health-related and social issues. According to the report, only Mississippi ranks below South Carolina.

That is appalling news for a state that is faced with too many bottom-of-the-barrel statistics from education to children's issues. The ratings are even more disturbing when noting that in the last study done in 2002 South Carolina was not in the bottom 10 of states. Being next to last in 2004 is a dramatic fall.

It is essential for the well-being of our state and for the individual improvement of the women here that we turn around this terrible trend. Women need to be made a greater part of the political makeup of our state and need to be assured that their employment efforts are rewarded equally with men. Only 16 of the 170 members of the General Assembly are women. And women earn only 73 cents for each dollar earned by men.

Is this any way to treat our mothers, our wives, our sisters and our daughters? Efforts must be made for an about-face on women's issues in South Carolina.

Copyright © 2003, The Aiken Standard