March 8 is a global day to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness against bias, and take action for equality. Today, women from different backgrounds, culture, economic status, and political views join together to draw attention to their rights and accomplishments in order to create a
Better World. It is an idea of a world where people treat each other as equals, where no one has to struggle for existence and basic rights. At WORMS we strive to promote this message through various sessions, panel discussions, and workshops at the INFORMS conferences.
Women use this day as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes, reframe negative perceptions that stand on a way of society with gender equality. Year-round women are determined to change the narrative. Today the message is reinforced to drive actions for creating a
Better World we all deserve.
Many of us have seen Laura Albert's list on how to advocate for women (published in her blog). Here it is with slight modifications.
- Invite women to speak at your organization/campuses in seminars or as guest lecturers or serve on a panel.
- Invite women to speak on behalf of your organization in external engagements.
- Have at least one female keynote speaker if you are organizing a conference.
- Nominate women for professional society offices and important service roles within your organization.
- Nominate and appoint women to board seats, e.g. editorial board of a journal or local newsletter.
- Nominate women to serve on awards committees.
- Invite women to apply to positions in your department.
- Nominate women colleagues for professional recognition: from junior to senior colleagues.
- Publicize the successes and achievements of women in newsletters, media, press releases, etc.
- When someone achieves, send them a congratulatory note (do this for all my colleagues, male or female)!
- Many forms of advocacy are not successful on the first try due to so many good nominations. Be ready to repeat many time the above.
Small actions can have big impacts. Take these actions, advocate for women, make a difference!
Happy International Women's Day!
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Maga Khachatryan
CEO, MagAnalytics
2020 WORMS President
Web:
www.maganalytics.comemail:
info@maganalytics.com------------------------------
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