The
privilege of writing the foreword to the
History of the International Federation
of Business and Professional Women was given
to me, and now I have been confronted with
the necessity of providing the last word,
the epilogue as it were.
"In
Pride . . ." there is no question about
the firm foundation for this part of the
title, but it is the words "and With
Promise" that make me pause and think.
A promise
is a solemn undertaking that must not be
broken. The word also carries with it overtones
of expectancy and hope.
Are
we then looking ahead to that world of economic
and social justice for all - and I stress
for all, not just for women. Is this an
ephemeral dream?
In
the foreword I said we must never lower
the standard raised by our predecessors.
I meant this as a play on words, and it
is with the second meaning of the word standard
that I am often concerned.
If
in the future women are to accept the responsibilities
of full citizenship, then they must be expected
to set a very special standard. I suggest
that the general moral and ethical standard
in the world of 1970 is not very high and
it is falling lower all the time.
The
moral and ethical standards of industry,
commerce, business and professional life,
politics and the whole field of government
is today in general set by men.
If
women do not bring a shining and practical
idealism to their new responsibilities,
then they will be nothing more than a carbon
copy of men, they will merge into the existing
pattern and the young people of each succeeding
generation will continue to grow more and
more disillusioned with their elders, more
and more incoherently rebellious in their
disenchantment with the life we are presenting
to them.
Remember
the old saying that a woman has to be twice
as good as a man to be given the job and
the same opportunities? If we use the word
"good" in its purest form and
apply it to moral and ethical standards,
then this saying is still valid.
If
we are to achieve the promise, the road
ahead will not be easy for women in any
country in the world. Everywhere women will
have to equip themselves with the essential
business or professional skills. They will
have to prove themselves on the job. They
will have to continue to fulfill their family
role, and they will always have to hold
out their hands to help their less fortunate
sisters in different stages of economic
and social development.
The
thought of "sharing" is threaded
all through the historical fabric of the
International Federation. If we can look
deeply and honestly into the motivation
for our actions, if we can pay more than
lip service to the International Federation
Collect (see Appendix No. 6), if all our
members determine to keep their standards
high as they work to achieve the aims of
the International Federation, then we may
be able to isolate a grain of inspiration
that could lead to the salvation of mankind,
then we will be able to look to a future
filled - "With Promise."
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