Maria Shriver, Meghan McCain Helping Women Find Voices

Oct. 27, 2009 — -- Maria Shriver and Meghan McCain come from different generations and different political backgrounds, but both agree that women in America still face huge challenges trying to balance work and family and to find their own voices.

"The real challenge is for women who have children," Shriver told "Good Morning America" co-anchor Diane Sawyer today. "We need flex hours, job sharing, telecommuting. That's a huge issue in this country."

"I see it everyday," McCain added. "Women aren't given the choice to have a family and a job… women have to juggle both of these things."

Shriver, the first lady of California, and McCain, daughter of Sen. John McCain, are each appearing this week at The Women's Conference, the nation's premiere women's leadership event.

The conference features two full days of speakers and events that strive to inspire, empower, and educate women of all ages. Shriver and McCain are among the headlining speakers who also include three members of the "Good Morning America" family: Robin Roberts, Claire Shipman and Tory Johnson.

Shriver said she was impressed by the diverse group of speakers, which also includes former Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright, Paula Deen, Elizabeth Edwards, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie B. Jarrett, Caroline Kennedy, Alicia Keys, and many more.

"What I love about this conference is the mixture of women," Shriver said. "Women come with all different voices, all different professions. They're successful at all different times of their lives."

Twenty-five thousand women are expected to attend the conference in person with thousands more expected to join online via a live webcast, making this a truly global event.