NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) February 22, 2004–-Vikki L. Pryor, President and CEO of SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc., will be a keynote luncheon speaker at the Women Work! 2004 National Conference to be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Washington, D.C. today.

A national, nonprofit membership organization that grew out of the displaced homemakers movement in the 1970’s, Women Work! is dedicated to empowering women from diverse backgrounds through a network of programs that have enhanced and expanded training, education and assistance for displaced homemakers, single women and other women in transition. The organization has also developed partnerships and secured funding for programs and services, and fought for legislative change to ensure women’s economic security.

“I am proud to be speaking at this important milestone in Women Work! history. The organization’s mission of empowerment is precisely the mission of the community of Associates, policyholders, and business partners whom I am honored to lead at SBLI USA,” said Vikki L. Pryor, President and CEO of SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc.

SBLI USA is a national financial services company that serves value-conscious consumers and underserved markets. The company’s mission is to empower customers and provide them with the education and tools they need to take control of their financial destinies.

Ms. Pryor applauded the upbeat theme of the conference: “Celebrating 25 Years of Transitions and Triumphs,” but noted that more progress is needed. She cited a recent report by the nonpartisan General Accounting Office that found American women today earn on average 20.3 percent less than men -- a figure that has remained relatively unchanged in two decades. Additionally, the report found that men with children take home about 2 percent more on average than men without offspring, while women with children earn about 2.5 percent less than women without children.*

According to a recent article in The Washington Post, the study could not provide reasons for the gap, but noted that experts have speculated that it could be due to discrimination or the decisions by some women to forgo career advancement for family-friendly jobs that offer more flexibility and less stress.

“Moms who work outside the home, many of whom are single, frequently find obstacles to entering and staying in the workforce. This is an issue that needs to be addressed,” Ms. Pryor said. ”Additionally, we have to continue to emphasize education, creation of opportunities and upgrading of work-related skills.”

This week’s conference will honor 25 “Women of Triumph” who have overcome challenges, built new careers and achieved economic independence after participating in Women Work! network programs.

For further details about the luncheon, please contact Laura Mealiea at Women Work! 202-467-6346, ext. 16.

*U.S. News & World Report, December 15, 2003

About SBLI USA

SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. is a financial services company that is committed to the value-conscious people who make America work. The company is dedicated to building lifelong relationships with customers and empowering them with the education and tools they need to take control of their financial destinies.

SBLI USA and its subsidiaries are licensed in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. With more than $1.3 billion in assets, $123 million in surplus capital, 250 employees and over 400,000 customers, the company is committed to offering affordable, flexible and easy-to-access products through a variety of integrated channels, including direct mail, telemarketing, the Internet and licensed agents, as it expands nationally.

SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company, Inc. is the parent company to SBLI USA Holdings, Inc., which owns subsidiary companies S.USA Life Insurance Company, Inc., and SBLI USA Diversified Services Company, Inc.

Additional information about SBLI USA products and services can be found at www.sbliusa.com.