Generational Expectations of Motherhood, Education and Society in Mexico

My great-grandmother was born in 1909 in Guadalajara, Mexico to a military general. Her mother passed away soon after her birth and her father died in the Mexican Revolution. She was adopted by a family with a large hacienda—or estate—and lived with them until she married my great-grandfather. Mexican tradition called for a man courting …

A Step Towards Change: Better Education and Representation for Women

I am a young, single woman who has traveled from Texas to South Africa, India, China, Australia, and many other countries around the world. I have been lucky enough to see wonders of the world, experience vibrant cultures that I read about in books, and try foods that I had never heard of. I have …

Sexual Harassment in Advanced Education — by LMS

Education is the foundation upon which country, community, and personal improvement is built.  It is one of the United National Millennium goals - universal primary education.  Initial access was improved simply building schools, employing teachers, and removing fees. However, the number of children out of school is actually increasing; these initial solutions did not help …

Access to Education — by BJL

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EDUCATION TO YOU? For me it is the freedom to choose, it gives me self-confidence and control over my life, and power to make change. I believe the gift of knowledge is priceless and in the words of Francis Bacon, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.  What a wonderful world if girls …

Inequality of Women in Education — by HJ

I grew up in a home where education was extremely important.  In Elementary School when I took interest in math, my parents and teachers encouraged me to continue with this interest.  I never felt discouraged from studying math or science. It wasn’t until college when I realized that not all girls grow up that way. …

American Women’s Interest in Politics — by RNP

When I discuss the coming presidential election and the presidential candidates with other women, I tend to get things like “oh, I don’t really follow politics” or “I like [presidential candidate] but I don’t know much about politics.” Or when I discuss my ideal world and how I feel about various policies and contemporary conversations …

Investing in Female Literacy — by SJ

Discussions in development usually deal with the question of investment. For example, leaders often debate on the pros and cons of investing in climate change initiatives, economic development, or health care. How much money, time, and effort should be invested into these categories will be based on how high the returns are expected to be. …

Reflections on CSW59/Beijing +20: Olivia

After a long Red-Eye flight, I spent the morning of my first day at the United Nations observing a meeting where representatives from almost every country discussed data on women’s issues in their countries. Although I had been to the United Nations before, this was the first time I really got to see diplomatic action. …

Reflections on CSW59/Beijing +20: Hailey

Perspective Change: While at Beijing+20, I realized the area of feminism that I am most passionate about is gender-based violence.  Violence against women in all spheres of life should be eradicated.  One of the best ways to bring about change is through awareness and education. When people are aware of the consequences of violence and …

Leading to Beijing +20: Women in Politics — by AMG

This past weekend, I attended the “Elect Her: Campus Women Win” program hosted by Texas A&M, which is designed to get women involved in politics. The daylong event, a collaborate effort between Running Start and the American Association of University Women (AAUW), encourages college age women to run for student government and future political office, …