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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

A Message from CMC President, Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino, Ed.D., NBCT
August 2024 

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“Each time a woman stands up for herself, …, she stands up for all women.”
                                                                                                           ~Maya Angelou (2007)

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As we transition from summer to a new school year in August, we mark a significant milestone: Women’s Equality Day, observed on August 26th. This day commemorates the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which is not just a historical event but a crucial part of our mission at the California Mathematics Council. This Amendment guarantees women’s right to vote in the United States and serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. On Women’s Equality Day, we honor the pioneering activists, celebrate women’s accomplishments, and reaffirm our commitment to equality under the law.

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The California Mathematics Council has a long and proud history of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where women can thrive. From classrooms, lecture halls, and conventions, to leadership positions within the educational community, women’s voices and contributions are essential.

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However, the fight for true equality continues. We must acknowledge the ongoing challenges women face in various aspects of life, such as the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership roles,  workplace harassment, women in STEM, and global educational attainment (see resources listed below). Keep in mind what Mary Robinson, former United Nations high commissioner for human rights, said, “Equality for women is not about gaining power over men; it is about having power in your own life and decisions,” (Robinson 2009).

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Resources

  • Gender Pay Gap

  • Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles

  • Workplace Harassment

  • Women in STEM

  • Global Educational Attainment

 

Therefore, I urge each member of the CMC community to participate in Women’s Equality Day activities. Let’s make our voices heard and our actions count.

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Women’s Day Activities

  • Educate Yourself
    Learn about the history of women’s suffrage and the ongoing fight for gender equality. The National Women’s History Museum offers many resources, including biographies of pioneering women and historical timelines: www.womenshistory.org

  • Attend Events
    Look for campus events or webinars that address gender equality issues. Join the American Mathematical Society (AMS) Women’s Equality Day virtual event with Ms. Ginger Baine Miller called, “Equality Starts with Empowered Women”:
    veteransocialjustice.wordpress.com/ginger-baine-miller/
    Register for the event at:
    www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItfCoqjgsGPGWvUbGY2u14rLumsRTQRY#/registration

  • Advocate for Change
    Speak up against gender bias and discrimination whenever you encounter them and report any instances of harassment to the appropriate channels.

  • Support Women-led Initiatives

  • Donate to organizations working on women’s empowerment:

  • The National Organization for Women: now.org/

  • The Malala Fund: malala.org/.

  • Participate in projects promoting women’s advancement, such as mentorship programs or initiatives encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers.

  • Act Now

 

It is our responsibility to engage students with mathematical tasks that raise awareness and inspire bold actions to combat gender inequality. As Audre Lorde (1984) stated, “Difference must be not merely tolerated, but seen as a fund of necessary polarities between which our creativity can spark like a dialectic.” Let us help students recognize gender inequities and provide them with opportunities to reflect on these issues through thoughtful lessons and resources.

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By fostering a deeper understanding of gender equality, we, as a collective, can contribute significantly to women’s well-being and resilience in the workplace and society. Women’s Equality Day offers us a chance to celebrate progress and remind us of the ongoing work needed to ensure equal opportunities in all aspects of life. Let’s take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and our role in supporting it.

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Sample Lessons

 

By actively participating in these efforts, we pave the way for a future where women can thrive, free from barriers and biases, with equal opportunities to achieve their fullest potential. Let us use Women’s Equality Day to catalyze sustained action and progress. Together, we can build a more just and equitable society where everyone, regardless of gender, can succeed and flourish.

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With much respect,

Ma Bernadette Andres-Salgarino, Ed.D., NBCT

President, California Mathematics Council

@salg274

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References:

*Angelou, Maya. 2007. Quote from Video Endorsement, Hillary Clinton 2007 Presidential Campaign.

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/inspiring-quotes-from-maya-angelou/

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 2022. Sexual Harassment in Our Nation’s Workplaces.

https://www.eeoc.gov/data/sexual-harassment-our-nations-workplaces

 

Lorde, Audrey. 1984. Sister Outsider, Essays and Speeches.

https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/4123062/mod_resource/content/1/Audre%20Lorde%20-%20Sister%20Outsider.%20Essays%20and%20Speeches%201984.pdf

 

Robinson, Mary. nd. https://fedi.fyralabs.com/tags/womensDay

 

*The Abel Prize. 2017. “Jo Boaler: The Path to Gender Equality in Mathematics Learning & Participation.” YouTube Video.

2017 Holmboe Symposium. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX8nakWZgrA

 

Warner, Judith, Nora Elimann, and Diana Goesch. 2018. “The Women’s Leadership Gap, Women’s Leadership by the

Numbers, Fact Sheet.” https://www.americanprogress.org/article/womens-leadership-gap-2/.

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