NSU’s branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host an International Women’s Day Colloquium on Wednesday, March 20, from 12-1 p.m. in the Carl DeSantis Building Atrium. The theme for this year’s event, decided by International Women’s Day, is #BalanceforBetter.
“The AAUW is about helping women reach their full potential. There is still a lot of biases in the world, and some of them are hidden and you don’t really even know that they’re happening to you. It gives you the strength and the training and the support needed,” said Randi Sims, professor in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
The colloquium gives students and student organizations the opportunity to prepare and present research posters surrounding gender issues in their academic fields, in honor of International Women’s Day.
“In the United States, International Women’s Day is not a very big holiday. But in other countries, it’s bigger than the Fourth of July— it’s a huge thing,” expressed Sims. “What we do for the colloquium is we have students display their research on the theme, Balance for Better. The theme is set by the International Women’s Day committee. They put it on their web page, and then people all over the world have events.”
She also added that those who participate will be left with a resume booster by presenting at the colloquium.
While the event is in honor of International Women’s Day, the event is not restricted to only women. Men are not excluded from participating in International Women’s Day activities. However, Sims urges them to recognize that women did not become disenfranchised on their own, and women cannot correct existing gender equity issues on their own.
“A workplace that addresses gender issues or stereotypes will, in turn, have a more inclusive work environment and company culture.”
-Gabrielle Thompson, senior communication major
“It’s really hard to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. You don’t have their experiences, you really don’t get it… we’re not attacking [men] when we tell them these are the facts. Many young men feel like we’re blaming them… but we’re not blaming [an individual], even if his great-great-great-great grandfather did it, he didn’t know any better,” explained Sims.
Gabrielle Thompson, senior communication major, said “Gender issues affect every single person. In the workforce, men should feel comfortable and open enough to share their emotions and feelings about a problem, and women should be able to hold a leadership position and conduct meetings without being seen as ‘bossy’ or in a negative light. A workplace that addresses gender issues or stereotypes will, in turn, have a more inclusive work environment and company culture.”
The event will also feature inspirational speakers and a lunch. Those interested in presenting at the colloquium must reach out to Sims at sims@nova.edu by March 14. For more information about the NSU branch of the AAUW, visit aauw-fl.aauw.net/branches/nova.
