Local Workplaces to Welcome Daughters

Workers throughout Ventura County will have shadows trailing their every move Thursday as part of the third annual “Take Our Daughters to Work Day.”

The idea, which started in New York and has spread worldwide, has become so popular that sons might come along too.

“Our day isn’t gender-specific,” said Arlene Morrelli, personnel manager for the Ventura Regional Sanitation District, of the agency’s “Bring Your Child to Work Day.”

“We think all of the children should see what their parents do at work,” she said.

The day, for 9- to 15-year-olds, was started three years ago by the Ms. Foundation in response to research showing that girls became more inhibited in the classroom at about 9 years old and stopped asserting themselves in math and science. The day is designed to show girls positive role models in the workplace.

“It doesn’t have to be a mother,” said Laura Deutsch, West Coast organizer of the event. “It can be an uncle, grandmother or dad. By having a man bring a girl to work, you’re also showing her that men want to work with her.”

Ms. Foundation officials said they will leave it to another organization to oversee a program for boys.

“I guess someone will have to start a Mr. Foundation,” said Stephanie Daniel, in the Ms. Foundation’s Santa Monica office.

Last year in California, an estimated 500,000 girls joined their parents at work.