Judy L. Lichtman, Jocelyn C. Frye, and Helen Norton

In the following viewpoint, Judy L. Lichtman, Jocelyn C. Frye, and Helen Norton argue that women face significant barriers in the workplace due to gender discrimination, resulting in upper-level jobs being dominated by men. Government and private affirmative action programs are necessary to remove those barriers and allow women to compete on merit. The authors conclude that retaining affirmative action is essential to ensure that women have equal opportunities in pursuing education, employment, and business opportunities. Lichtman is president of the Women’s Legal Defense Fund, a feminist organization that has helped to develop federal legislation on family leave and other issues. Frye is the WLDF’s policy counsel for work and family programs, while Kaplan is the organization’s director of equal opportunity programs...