Boys join day-at-work program next year

By David Crary
Associated Press

NEW YORK — Starting next year, boys will get to punch the clock, too.

After a decade of successfully promoting "Take Our Daughters To Work Day," its feminist organizers said they will open the annual event to sons as well.

Today will be the 10th and final daughters-only day. In April 2003, the Ms. Foundation for Women will promote "Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day."

"It's a work in progress in terms of the details, but not in terms of the aim, which is creating truly equitable workplaces," said Marie Wilson, foundation president.

She said the new initiative, like its predecessor, would highlight career opportunities, but also would include a new emphasis on the challenges of balancing work and family. Background materials for the program will be distributed to businesses and schools this fall.

Begun in 1993, "Take Our Daughters To Work Day" caught on in many communities, often with the backing of employers, civic leaders and school officials.

Millions of families have participated, and the program has been praised for expanding the career aspirations of many girls.

The National Organization for Women, a staunch supporter of "Take Our Daughters To Work," had argued in the past against including sons.

"Treating boys and girls as if they face identical constraints and opportunities fails to address either boys' or girls' realities," a recent NOW statement said.

Wilson said the Ms. Foundation hopes the new program will encourage girls and boys to think in fresh ways about gender inequities at work and the competing demands of work and family.