Women Overcoming the World, or W.O.W., is a peer-led dialogue and discussion on sexism that will take place on March 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Commons Residence Hall, Room 123.
Office of Residential Life and Housing Area Coordinator Victoria Myer is a co-creator of the event.
“There is a lack of knowledge about women’s issues on NSU’s campus, and having a peer-led event allows students to connect with issues that directly affect them and their peers,” Myer said.
Myer said the idea behind W.O.W. initially formed at the Blurred Lines: Discussion of Race and Culture event that was held in observance of Black History Month.
“Attendees had such great dialogue at this event, and it was really inspiring; it showed me that we need to have a student dialogue about women’s issues and the sexism that is still prevalent today, so we are giving our students a platform to do so,” she said.
Myer said this event is important because NSU is predominately female.
“We don’t want women in college right now to be surprised once they enter the workforce and encounter sexism or be caught off-guard when they face obstacles due to their sex,” she said.
Myer said it often seems many young women don’t seem to fully grasp the struggles women still currently face.
“In the U.S. alone, the gender gap in pay still persists; full-time women workers’ earnings are only about 77 percent of their male counterparts’ earnings,” she said. “The pay gap is even greater for African-American and Latina women, with African-American women earning 64 cents and Latina women earning 56 cents for every dollar earned by a Caucasian man.”
Graduate Assistant for Mediation Services, Tyra Brown, co-creator of the event, said it’s critical for students to understand the social landscape from which they will be expected to lead effectively and make important decisions.
“The issues that women face are faced by all and impact each of us, on an interpersonal, national and global level. Things must change, and NSU students will be called upon to be the change,” she said.
Brown said attendees should expect to participate in a lively, engaging and challenging discussion that may cause them to rethink their personal views, values and opinions on gender.
“This event will provide a safe, friendly, open space for dialogue, and all ideas and thoughts are welcome,” she said.
Brown said, “NSU is building an academic legacy of scholarship and civic engagement. Events like this support the institution’s endeavor to enrich the learning environment by preparing students to live and work in a diverse, global society.”
Brown encourages all students to educate themselves on the issues, and if they feel a particular passion or connection, to get involved.
Myer said having dialogue and becoming educated on these issues is how change is created.
“NSU prides itself on being an institution that prepares our students to live and work in a global society, so it’s important to educate our students on this big-picture issue and understand the challenges that women are facing not just in the United States but in the world,” she said.
For more information, contact Myer at vlaffert@nova.edu or 954-262-7062.
