Women have always meant business.

Men and women are, obviously, participants in the makeup of today's workforce. Both men and women play critical roles in ensuring that private and public sector organizations move forward to build a more productive America. This article, however, will focus on the ongoing. and unique contributions made by women in occupations that often go unrecognized because they do not always gain the spotlight in the media. The achievements of women have been great and have been noted throughout history. From Cleopatra to Catherine the Great to Margaret Thatcher women have left--and will continue to leave--their mark on history.

Women on the Move

The American workforce took on changes during World War II. However, prior to the deep involvement of women in the day-to-day working world, they have always played a significant role in the growth and development of this nation.

As old fashioned as it may sound, since Colonial times women helped build this country as wives and mothers--and so much more. Their jobs were serious occupations and included manual labor that far exceeded work done by women in our modern workforce. In helping settle this country, the title homemaker meant much more than "housewife." At home, women were farmers, craftsmen, inventors, natural scientists, medical personnel, innovators, teachers and among the first experts in conflict resolution[ As the country began to be settled, women took on the role of pioneers. They fought Indians, are the dust of the prairie and many times outlived their husbands in settling new places in the West. The determination of pioneer women would be hard to duplicate in today's convenience-based society. These women sacrificed their lives to help their families find new opportunities and better lives.

Women were also part of other migrations in American history. In the 1930s, drought and erosion led to environmental disaster in the Great Plains of the U.S. Wind storms blew away the overworked topsoil in the Dust Bowl. Families abandoned their farms and fled west looking for work. Many women became migrant workers and laborers on California farms performing backbreaking work for very little pay. They lived in dirt poor housing and played a key role in holding their families together.

Women Continue to Make Their Mark

Perhaps among the greatest examples of the critical role women have dominated in the history of our country is that of teacher. What mother could not call herself a teacher? No other profession is so heavily dominated by women--nor more successfully served--than teaching. In fact, every woman in every business is a teacher. Whether she is doing so in an instructive capacity as part of her job or by example. The history of America is steeped in the great tradition of teaching. It may be the single, most important occupation in the nation.

Whether women are serving as teachers, executives, laborers or homemakers their impact on society can--and never should be--underestimated. From the founding of this great country, women have forged a foundation upon which this nation rests. Their role should never be underestimated nor ignored because the contributions women continue to make will carry forward a whole new generation of outstanding contributors to the workforce and the world.

Patty Patano is Principal of Pinecrest Schools in Woodland Hills. For more information, please contact her directly at 818/348-4314 or via [e-mail].