What about America's women?

Susan McGee Bailey, Ph.D.
Letter to the Editor published in the International Herald Tribune
July 4, 2009

Thomas Friedman is correct: We Americans should be doing all we can to encourage innovation (''Invent, invent, invent,'' Views, June 29). He writes, "The world's best brains are on sale. Let's buy more!"

But it was disheartening for Mr. Friedman to argue that America should solicit more brains from abroad with nary a mention of encouraging the still-underrepresented women in technology and business here in the U.S. And it was equally disappointing to read his list of inventors, scientists and business leaders: After decades of efforts to increase opportunities for girls and women and to promote workplace equality, Mr. Friedman could not think of one woman for his list? Clearly, the U.S. has a long way to go.

Read Thomas Friedman's article, which also ran in the New York Times and other publications across the country.