Happy International Women's Day!
The theme for the United Nation's recognition of International Women's Day 2017 is: Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030.
So, what does this mean?
Let's first take a look at some stats to better understand the issue of global gender inequality in the workforce (graphics provided by UN Women):
Are you overwhelmed yet? If so, that's okay! Because now that you know a little more about what's going on around the world, you can become an informed and vocal advocate for women whose voices can't be heard.
So the point of today is to to look at the reality of global gender equality and learn about how we can support and catalyze change. Let's look here, in the United States for a moment. More and more women are entering STEM professions - and that's certainly progress - but it's not enough. Take a look at these statistics provided by the National Girls Collaborative Project (obtained from the National Science Board):
35.2% of chemists are women
11.1% of physicists and astronomers are women
33.8% of environmental engineers are women
22.7% of chemical engineers are women
17.5% of civil, architectural, and sanitary engineers are women
17.1% of industrial engineers are women
10.7% of electrical or computer hardware engineers are women
7.9% of mechanical engineers are women
Women are underrepresented in politics, as well. The Center for American Women and Politics reports that there are:
7 women in cabinet and cabinet-level positions in the federal government
3 women in the Supreme Court
104 women in Congress (19.4%)
21 women in the Senate (21%)
83 women in the House of Representatives (19.1%)
1,830 women in State Legislature (24.8%)
441 women in State Senate (22.4%)
1,389 women in State House/Assembly (25.7%)
These numbers can be broken down even more to show the serious lack of representation by women of color, demonstrating how much harder it is for women of color/minorities to be employed in a historically "men's" profession. We have a lot of work to do and room for growth even here, in the United States.
Now you might be thinking: wow, this really fires me up! But what can I do to help?
Glad you asked! Here are five things you can do to make an impact on gender equality in the workplace:
Number one: Stay informed
Read everything! UN Women is a great place to learn about global initiatives regarding gender equality and read about diverse issues across the world. The New York Times online provides a topic page compiling recent articles about women's rights, which is a good place to get started. If you read, watch, and listen more to all kinds of diverse sources, you'll be able to better help the cause.
Number two: Get the conversation going
Talk to everyone and really listen to their concerns. Can you learn anything from them? (the answer is always "yes"!) What information do you have that they might benefit from? Check out the UN Women's social media accounts and join the conversation - because the issue of gender equality will not go away if we stop talking and questioning everything.
Number three: Think outside the USA
I again refer you to UN Women to read about issues with gender inequality throughout the world. World Vision also provides a list of seven easy and important ways to "make a big difference in the lives of daughters, sisters, and mothers around the world - and right in our own neighborhoods." Gender inequality exists in more severe forms in many other countries; so in the fight for our own equality, we cannot forget about other women.
Which brings me to my next point...
Number four: Support each other
We do not succeed by tearing each other down; we succeed by building each other up. On January 21, 2017, women all over the world marched in solidarity, showing that we are a force to be reckoned with because we stand with and for each other. Check out the Women's March website for ways you can continue supporting the global movement.
Number five: Show girls that they can be and do anything they want
There are tons of organizations reaching out to young girls and teaching them that there are not "boy professions" and "girl professions" that need volunteers, donations, and general awareness in order to thrive and continue their work. The National Girls Collaborative Project provides a detailed directory of programs designed to educate all children in STEM subjects.
Also, check out Girls Inc., which develops informal educational programs encouraging girls to "take risks and master physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. Major programs address math and science education, pregnancy and drug abuse prevention, media literacy, economic literacy, adolescent health, violence prevention, and sports participation."
There's plenty for you to do not only today, but carrying through for many years. We celebrate the women who have brought us to where we are in 2017 and we look to their work for inspiration in our fight today. Who inspires you? Comment and share below!
Resources:
Comments