August 2023

Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable progress made by generations of trailblazing women who dared to challenge the status quo and paved the way for a more just and inclusive society. It is a day to acknowledge the diverse achievements and contributions of women throughout history, across cultures, and in every field of human endeavor.

We celebrate the triumphs and resilience of women who have shattered glass ceilings, broken barriers, and emerged as leaders, advocates, and change-makers. And we honor the countless women at PAFA -- past, present, and future -- whose contributions, leadership, courage and collective actions have dismantle barriers for all and helped to build a more equitable PAFA.

We invite you this month to delve into the history of the women's suffrage movement, paying homage to the visionaries who fought tirelessly for women's right to vote and the expansion of democratic principles. We also invite you to explore the intersectionality of women's equality, recognizing that the struggle for equal rights is intertwined with issues of race, class, sexual orientation, and other identities. By acknowledging and addressing these intersections, we can forge a more inclusive and comprehensive path towards true equality.

We also reflect on the work that remains to be done to achieve full gender parity and women's empowerment. As we celebrate Women's Equality Day, let us remember that equality is not a destination but an ongoing journey—a journey that requires the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and institutions.

Here are some statistics related to women's equality that highlight both progress and areas where challenges remain:

1. Suffragist Movement: On August 26th, we honor the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
2. Political Representation: As of 2021, women make up 27.4% of the world's parliamentarians, indicating progress in political representation but also highlighting the need for further advancement. (Inter-Parliamentary Union)
3. Gender Pay Gap: In the United States, women earned approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in 2020. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics); Globally, women, on average, earn about 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, with variations across countries and regions. (World Economic Forum)
4. Leadership Roles: Only 8.1% of the world's 500 largest companies are led by women as CEOs. (Fortune); Women hold 18% of board seats in major companies worldwide. (Deloitte Global Center for Corporate Governance)
5. Education: Globally, girls' enrolment in primary education is nearly equal to that of boys. However, in some regions, girls still face disparities in access to education. (UNESCO); Globally, girls' enrolment in primary education is nearly equal to that of boys. However, in some regions, girls still face disparities in access to education. (UNESCO); In tertiary education, women outnumber men in many countries, representing 54% of graduates worldwide. (OECD)
6. Gender-Based Violence: On average, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, often perpetrated by an intimate partner. (World Health Organization); In the United States, around 1 in 5 women has experienced rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)
7. Unpaid Care Work: Women globally perform approximately three times more unpaid care work, including domestic chores and caregiving, than men. (UN Women)
8. Maternal Mortality: Maternal mortality rates have declined globally, but disparities persist. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality rate, with 533 deaths per 100,000 live births. (World Health Organization)
9. Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, with some studies indicating that women hold only about 24% of STEM jobs in the United States. (U.S. Department of Commerce)

BOOST DIVERSITY AWARENESS

Challenge yourself this month to boost your diversity awareness calendar usage.

• Learn about August 2023 Events - including notable dates like International Youth Day, World Humanitarian Day, International Day of People of African Descent and other cultural observances, and more!
• Schedule Respectfully - With our PAFA Diversity Awareness Calendar, never forget important dates or events. Respect religious observances, holidays, and events.
• New Feature! Email signature images! Now you can build D&I with every email you send - find out how to add Diversity Calendar banners to your Outlook email signature.

Save the Date!

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed to promote and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples around the world. The date commemorates the first United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations meeting in Geneva in 1982. We encourage you to observe the day by gaining a better understanding of Indigenous issues around the world, by listening to Indigenous voices, and by reflecting on the vital achievements and contributions that Indigenous Peoples make to the world, such as understanding and stewardship of the environment we all share.

Fall 2023 Student Orientation We are excited to welcome back our students and faculty members for a new academic year! We are thrilled to have you back on campus and look forward to reconnecting and forging new connections. To ensure a smooth transition, we are delighted to announce our highly anticipated student orientation, scheduled for Monday, August 28th, and Tuesday, August 29th (half day). This orientation promises to be a remarkable opportunity for incoming students to familiarize themselves with our vibrant community, engage with faculty and staff, and explore the myriad of resources and support available. Here's to a successful and enriching fall semester ahead!