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Table of Contents
Fall 2011 Kickoff Event
Opening
Present how the conditions for women have gotten better but that there are still issues. Show a little about science in general and each field through the ages (e.g., conditions in 1971, 1991, and 2011). Maybe a little from each woman prof about what she loves about science and what is most challenging and how she copes with it.
Tools Discussion through Scenarios
Assigned Female-Stereotypical Tasks
Scenario: Boss or Teammates: “You are so much more organized than the rest of us guys: you're in charge of taking notes for the meetings, putting the notes online, reserving a room for our meetings, reserving equipment.” If you decline, then the boss/teammates accuses you of not being a team player.
Answer Discussion:
Your unexpected qualifications
Scenario: From an “enlightened” professor “Congratulations on your award! You really deserve it: your high GPA, your research experience, and you're a woman, so you really deserve this!”
Answer Discussion:
- this may be tricky because you can't really react to this from a professor
Yes, tricky, but can still respond with confidence - “yes, I've worked really hard and genuinely enjoyed the course work and research”
Jealous classmate
Scenario: “Oh, you got into Best University? I didn't, and I have a higher GPA than you. But, you're a woman, so they probably had a couple of spots reserved for women.”
Answer Discussion:
Jealous Boyfriend
Scenario: “You spend a lot of time with Joe in the lab. And, you always talk about him. You can't _just_ be friends with a boy. That's how we hooked up, remember? I don't think you can work in that lab anymore.”
Answer Discussion:
Unevolved Classmate
Scenario: Why are you in WITS? Are you some kind of feminist?“ (probably would mention more about WITS, to help promote their group)
Answer Discussion:
Interview with advisor/boss
Scenario: the you-can't-get-married-or-can't-have-a-baby
Answer Discussion:
Insensitive Boss
Scenario: Woman: “Our colleague comments on the outfits that the women in his classes wear, and it makes the students uncomfortable.” Boss: “What kind of things does he say?” Woman: “Oh, just that the dress is pretty or something like that.” Boss: “I hate to think that we live in a world where we can't compliment each other.”
Answer Discussion:
Scenario: Woman: here is an uncomfortable situation that is happening to me. Boss: you need to toughen up and develop a thick skin
Answer Discussion:
Tackling a Challenge
Scenario: Boss: “A scientific big-wig is coming to our office. I'd like you to talk to her for 30 minutes.” You: “What me? Oh, no. I wouldn't know what to talk to her about. Why don't you ask someone else and if no one else can, then maybe I can do it.” Maybe this one is a multiple choice one?
Answer Discussion:
Difficult Group Dynamics
Scenario: Not getting your voice heard in a group
Answer Discussion: If you get interrupted, KEEP TALKING. (That may drive you nuts first.)