Girls Love Science, Technology, Engineering and Math!

Why is it that girls are told that they are not good in math and science? Why do teachers give more attention to boys in these subjects in school? Why is it when girls want to pursue college degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math it is still a boys club and the girls are marginalized. I will tell you why….

It is because there still exists the same old cultural constructs that females don’t belong in these fields. I am not blaming anyone, I don’t care whose fault it is. Placing blame won’t solve the issue. What I am asking for is awareness that it is happening, and when you see evidence that women are being discouraged step up and take a stand. Females are needed in these fields..they are 50% of the world population and of the American workforce. Different approaches and points of view always yield a greater success rate for the benefit of all!

Become an advocate for women in STEM programs through www.aauw.org. AAUW has been working to fund scholarships, fellowships and education in STEM programs for women since 1881.

 

 

I WANT EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK!

April 8th is Equal Pay Day. It really angers me that when I graduate from college it is likely that I will earn 23% less than my male counterparts just because I am a female. Worse yet, there has been no progress in the last 10 years to improve the gap. The Paycheck Fairness Act will be coming to the Senate floor soon. Be a “Two Minute Activist” at www.aauw.org and send your legislator a letter to support the bill. Equitable pay helps us all!

 

 

Equality for ALL

If one believes that equality is for all then that must include the LGBT community. Everyone has the right to be free from harassment. Bullying in schools and hate crimes committed against LGBT individuals have caused both long term emotional and physical pain. Years of advocacy has created change, but there is still a long way to go.

Greater awareness and steps taken to ensure that schools have policies in place to mitigate bullying and enforce punishment will harbor a safe environment for all students. Hate crimes against LGBT individuals must be taken seriously. Providing an open dialogue to create greater understanding among each other will go a long way to facilitate an end to the stereotypes and misunderstandings that LGBT individuals deal with on an ongoing basis.

The American Association of Women (AAUW) has been advocating for not only equal rights for women but also for the LGBT community. They are bringing awareness to schools and work hard to support legislation to ensure that hate crimes are prosecuted. Visit them at www.AAUW.org to see how you can join their coalition to support the LGBT community and take action.

Stay tuned Equal Pay Day…April 8th!

 

 

Belonging for Life

 

Ok, I am already anticipating what you are going to say about my trying to sell you on another organization to join. BUT, this is really a good one that will give you lifelong benefits and support. I am talking about the non-profit, American Association of University Women (AAUW). I knew nothing about the organization until a professor of mine forwarded me their request for women to apply for academic scholarships. I thought, money….free money that is available for me to continue my education, where do I sign up. That began my relationship with the organization when they gave me a scholarship to attend UMBC and made me a member of the organization

At the time I knew nothing about who they were so I did a search and here is what I found. They were established in the late 1800s as a women’s group that supported women getting an education and the right to vote. AAUW has provided not only academic money they have funded research projects for women such as Marie Curie and Rachel Carson. Headquartered in DC they are a women’s advocacy group that tracks and lobbies for issues that directly affect women such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and Title IX. AAUW are watching out for our best interest and moving the equality agenda forward for women here in the U.S. and internationally.

Each area has chapters and they are usually on most campuses, so participating is easy. They also have an active website that allows you to be a “Two Minute Activist” where you can see important issue that are being addressed in Congress and the Senate. You are able to send a letter to your representative at a click. A nice feature that allows your voice to be heard, along with others who share your concerns. I encourage you take a minute and look..see what you think. Remember, united women creates the power to make change    www.AAUW.org