Learn about women at work during Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month and CareerBuilder is proud to celebrate the contributions of women in society and the progress in workplaces, while recognizing unique challenges still exist.

We’re here to shed light on employment for women, share tips for women in the workplace, and suggest resources for learning more about women’s history and amazing stories to watch and read.

What does employment look like for women right now?

The unemployment rate for women across all races is 6%, but that number spikes dramatically for women of color, who are still facing unemployment rates closer to 9% (as of January 2021). Women were hit hard by the pandemic and its related economic impact, from mothers shouldering the majority of child and domestic care to women in the service and hospitality industries.

Women are gaining more traction in corporate leadership roles but still represent only about 10% of top CEOs, and the “broken rung” – the first step up to manager – is still an unfortunate trend, according to this McKinsey report. In the same study, researchers found women are experiencing only 1-3% gains each year into management positions, and the outlook is the toughest for women of color.

How to deal with common challenges women face at work

Salary. The wage gap is real and one way to combat it is to take matters into your own hands – get really comfortable with asking for what you’re worth. These 7 dos-and-don’ts for successfully negotiating your salary can help you get there.

Family and lifestyle. One of the silver linings of the pandemic is that remote work and flexibility are now the norm. With 35% of job seekers stating they won’t accept a job offer without a work from home option, employers are prioritizing and standardizing the practice. What once felt like a big stretch and huge perk should now be part of a job offer, especially if you need it. Make sure to ask about parental leave, flexible hours and what benefits exist to support family needs. This can be done in a screener call with the company’s HR, or, if your toddler runs through your video interview, use that as a great segue into the topic.

Resources and powerful stories about women and women’s history

Educational resources:

Seven government entities created womenshistorymonth.gov to commemorate the vital role women have played in American history.

The National Women’s History Museum dives deep into studies and movements, while offering programs and events.

Stories by and about women around the world, from classics to modern hits:

What to watch

• 40 Essential Feminist Movies You Need to See
• Your Netflix Guide To The Best Women’s History Month Movies
• “9 to 5”
• “Roma”
• “Queen of Katwe”
• “Grace and Frankie”
• “Kim’s Convenience”
• “Self Made: Inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker”
• “Derry Girls”
• “Glow”
• “Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce”
• “Never Have I Ever”
• “Dumplin’”
• “I May Destroy You”

What to read

• Women Making Money History on The Skimm
• Penguin Random House Women’s History Month reading challenge
• “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rimes
• “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
• “In the Company of Women” by Grace Bonney
• “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee
• “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed
• “Hurricane Season” by Fernanda Melchor
• “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson
• “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi