Association For Women in Science
By Meredith Gibson, CEO of AWIS
AWIS was founded in 1971 by a group of women attending the annual meeting of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). At a networking event for the women attending the conference, they discussed the various challenges and injustices they faced in their careers, and it was apparent that gender bias and harassment were common experiences. This was on the heels of the 1970 Women’s March on Washington D.C. and the mounting call for equal rights and opportunities for women. They decided to form the Association for Women in Science, a non-profit organization that would advocate for women across science disciplines.
Studies have proven time and again that diverse groups and women-led organizations outperform their less-diverse counterparts. However, women are still underrepresented in STEM fields. More concerning is that women leave the STEM workforce at twice the rate of men. AWIS works to champion women in science by supporting individual members, advancing gender equity in organizations, and driving systemic change.
WOMEN IN SCIENCE
AWIS’ member community is integral in keeping women in the science profession. Being able to share challenges and lessons learned with each other can create a sense of belonging and alleviate feelings of self-doubt that are so common for women in male-dominated STEM environments. This camaraderie has supported many members through pivotal times in their careers.
In addition, to help our members advance their careers, AWIS offers mentoring and networking via the member directory and 30+ local chapters, volunteer opportunities to build new skills, professional development programs, recognition through scholarships, annual awards and member spotlights, a Career Center with thousands of opportunities and resources, Virtual Career Fairs to connect jobseekers with STEM employers (the next one is March 15), newsletters to keep members informed of trends impacting women in science, inspiring stories in the AWIS Magazine, through social media, and on the AWIS content hub, support and a sense of belonging in our online community.
2023 Scholarship applications are open until February 28. AWIS has given over 40 scholarships in the last 10 years. Due to a corporate grant, up to thirteen awards will be available this year with categories for undergraduates, doctoral candidates, and women who have been out of STEM for two years.
ORGANIZATIONS
AWIS believes that organization leaders must create and enforce policies to mitigate power dynamics, toxic cultures, and systemic issues so that women can reach their full potential. We partner with organizations to provide member benefits to their employees and support their talent retention and recruitment initiatives. We also work with organizations to define and share best practices for equitable hiring, pay, advancement, and recognition. For example, we support the Mothers In Science global action plan to provide caregivers with flexible schedules and resources they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
Women need to feel safe, welcomed, and see themselves reflected in leadership. Organization leaders must ensure women are represented, not just by giving them a seat at the table, but by having their voices heard. Do not interrupt women or talk over them in a meeting. If they haven’t spoken, ask them what they think. Having diverse perspectives provides better outcomes – from an employee engagement and satisfaction standpoint to increased innovation and profitability.
In our award-winning AWIS magazine and newsletters, we celebrate the ways in which organizations support their diverse STEM talent and publicize progressive policies and programs that can help other organizations succeed as well.
SOCIETY
Lastly, we work with a variety of coalitions and committees to track and weigh in on legislation that will impact women scientists and their careers. We aim to impact societal perception and systemic change through research, advocacy and thought leadership.
Our vision is to see women in STEM:
-Compensated fairly and without discrimination
-Advanced equitably and without bias
-Respected and recognized for their scientific achievements
-Exposed to successful role models in leadership positions
The contributions of women are frequently overlooked due to bias. This is why we created a database to highlight the contributions of women in science. Our chapters support the next generation of scientists through local K-12 outreach such as hosting demonstrations and career panels, judging science fairs, mentoring programs, sponsoring STEM camps, and disseminating stories about prominent women scientists.
Diversity in the STEM workforce is particularly important because research and innovations protect and improve the health and well-being of our planet and world community. We need solutions to crucial challenges that face the world today, such as ensuring our food supply and managing energy demands.
With each discovery, scientists make the greater community safer, healthier and better informed. On an individual level, each person who is able to obtain an education, earn a higher salary and fulfill their potential will positively impact not only their family and personal network, but they will add to a more stable and interconnected society.
While our primary focus is on advancing and retaining women who have already chosen a STEM career, last summer we initiated a campaign to engage and interest more people in a scientific career. Our program, Summer of Science, was designed to highlight members across a variety of science careers, why they choose that field, how their work benefits society and why other women and girls should consider a career in that field. This campaign received over 3,300 page views on our website and highlighted a dozen women scientists in fields from entomology to virology. I invite you to follow AWIS on social media so you can learn about the amazing scientific fields our members work in.
As individuals, everyone should evaluate their own biases and assumptions. Educate yourself on gender equity issues and work to become an ally. We recommend Melinda Epler’s TED talk, following thought leaders, or subscribing to AWIS News Brief.