[Archived] Alexandria Hosts Take Our Daugters to Work Day


News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	Tuesday, April 20, 1999
Contact:	Angelita Plemmer, City Manager's Office, (703) 838-4300; Norma Gattsek, Director, Office on Women, (703) 838-5030

Alexandria Hosts Take Our Daugters to Work Day

The Alexandria Commission for Women, the Office on Women and the City Manager's Office will sponsor Take Our Daughters To Work Day on Thursday, April 22, at 8 a.m., in the Vola Lawson Lobby (Cameron Street entrance) of City Hall.

Girls will shadow adult mentors throughout the city to learn about their careers, education and training. Elected local and state representatives also will serve as mentors. Youth participants will include 23 girls from the Minnie Howard Ninth Grade Center, in addition to other youths interested in learning more about today's workforce.

Nationally, Take Our Daughters to Work Day was initiated in 1992 by the Ms. Foundation for Women to focus on girls' ideas, needs and dreams --- and to help ensure that girls remain confident, strong and in school throughout their teen years.

In 1991 the American Association of University women reported that once girls reach the age of nine, their confidence in their academic abilities declines and remains low in high school. Many of the educational and career choices girls must make are based on their experiences in school and the media's depiction of women and their roles in society.

"We want to counteract this disturbing trend by showing participants they can aspire to any career path they choose, just like their male counterparts," Alexandria City Mayor Kerry Donley said. "We want them to feel good about themselves and feel confident about their ability to excel in any arena."

Participants will attend a brief opening ceremony, featuring remarks from Lynn Jordan, Chairperson for the Commission for Women, Mayor Donley and City Manager Vola Lawson. Adult mentors and their student guests will meet following the ceremony during a small reception.

"This is the city's fifth year participating in this event," City Manager Lawson said, "and we are truly committed to ensuring the growth and success of all of our young people in this community."