Dear Science community,
The College of Science supports anyone who identifies as a woman in the sciences.
In science, only 30% of researchers and educators identify as women, despite women and girls making up 50% of the population. Moreover, studies show that women’s contributions to science are frequently devalued, which results in a lack of representation in prestigious academic appointments, including distinguished professorships or named chairs.
It is also important to recognize that women of color face further barriers, with gendered racism that is perpetuated by the prevalence of faulty perceptions, stereotypes, and images. Further, women disproportionately shoulder the impacts of societal challenges, such as bearing a much higher load of work and family challenges created by COVID-19. The World Economic Forum suggests that another generation of women may have to wait for gender parity.
In the face of these challenges, we plan to work towards creating gender equity in the College of Science and the university.
As we celebrate National Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8, let’s take this opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions women make to science locally, nationally and abroad. This includes incredible work done by College of Science women at the forefront of leading research, such as combating COVID-19, mitigating climate change, advancing science in the White House and other parts of the federal government, communicating science, leading interdisciplinary research to create more sustainable materials and discovering new drugs to combat cancer.
The COS Diversity Action Plan calls on all of us to broaden the image of a scientist to combat gender-based harassment, and address gender equity in science. The COS Diversity Action Plan has also established an Equity, Access and Inclusion Leadership Council sub-committee on Gender Equity to address these issues and improve outcomes for COS members with marginalized genders. As they begin their work, your feedback and ideas are welcome.
I encourage everyone to join me in envisioning a world where women and men have equal opportunity in science. Let’s explore steps each one of us can take now, individually and collectively, to make this aspiration a reality. International Women’s Day Campaign offers excellent resources for helping us to #BreakTheBias.
Please join me in participating in several events taking place next week that bring diverse perspectives from women to the forefront:
Future of Science – Thought Leadership Forum
Monday, March 7, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (various sessions)
Memorial Union Ballroom and virtual via Zoom
The Future of Science – Thought Leadership Forum will engage College of Science faculty, staff and students to help plan for the next four years. Keynote speakers will share their visions for the future of science and will challenge COS to engage in this new future through outreach, research and education. RSVP.
International Women’s Day: Change Makers in Science talk and panel discussion
Tuesday, March 8, 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Memorial Union Ballroom and virtual via Zoom
Join us for a talk from eminent physicist Laura Greene, chief scientist and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Following the keynote speech, there will be a panel discussion on negotiation skills aimed at beginning scientists featuring College of Science faculty members Sally Hacker, Marilyn Mackiewicz, Afua Nyarko and Rebecca Vega-Thurber and moderated by Vrushali Bokil. RSVP.
All across the College, women are advancing science by creating new knowledge, innovating to create better solutions and preparing tomorrow’s leaders. We celebrate their contributions as we work towards a more equitable scientific community.
Sincerely,
Kameron Kadooka
Interim Director of Equity Access and Inclusion, COS