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HONORING BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S WEEK
RADIO STATION WCAO

October 12, 1941
Baltimore

THROUGHOUT the Country, there has been observed Business and Pro-
fessional Women's Week, to give deserved recognition to the outstanding
achievements and continued progress made by members of their sex. As Chief
Executive of the State it not only is a pleasure, but a distinct privilege for me
officially to give recognition to this observance, and to invite the attention of all
the citizens of our State, and particularly our women, to its significance.

The program arranged for the week was sponsored by, and its direction
placed in the hands of, representative women's clubs of the Country and of our
State. During the week in practically every one of our states, thousands of
women, who have achieved leadership and responsible position, participated in
the program in various ways. By such united action, it was possible to give
emphasis to the progress and achievements of women during the years in
American business, professional, and civic life. It was meet and proper that
such a program should have been arranged. The voice of any movement, in the
last analysis, is found to be the voice of the leaders of that movement. Recogni-
tion and appreciation, "through which comes encouragement, " is almost always
the result of persistent and emphatic action on the part of those who have
active leadership in the interest of a given cause.

The progress made by women, while cause for pride on their part, really
rebounds to the benefit of the whole of society. While the celebration of these
women's clubs finds justification in the fact that these achievements have been
made by women, the occasion deserves the commendation of us all.

Two years ago there was celebrated, during this annual week, "100 Years
of Women's Progress, " and many speakers at this time reviewed with deep
satisfaction the significant advance made by the world during that period, and
the notable part played in that progress by women.

The Business and Professional Women of America have a special responsi-
bility in this. They must study and understand in order to lead. But they must
know that leadership in a democracy cannot be for, it must be with the people.
Our whole democracy, our whole effort, in this or any other field, depends on
intelligent, active leadership, free from self-interest, and upon informed and
active participation of all people with much leadership.

It is a distinct source of gratification to know that here in our own State
of Maryland women have come to the fore with quickened pace particularly
during the past two years. This has been so in a professional sense, in the
field of commerce and industry, and in that most important sphere of every day
life, the administration of our State's affairs. In this latter advancement, I
am very happy to say, it has been my good fortune to play some small part.