Gender Equity and Women in Iran, Cuba and Israel

How are women doing in three diverse cultures? What rights do they have? What can they do to create more equitable conditions for themselves?

Join our  public policy conversation on Saturday, March 5, 10AM, at the Topsfield Library as we recount recent American Association of University Women member trips to Cuba and Israel. Linda Britt and Pat Gorton will describe their encounters with women in Cuba, while Liz Fragola and Patricia Ho will report on their findings in Israel. To begin our consideration of gender equity in other countries, Sanaz Raoufi will speak about the conflicting pressures facing women in Iran.

Following these short reports, everyone is invited to engage in our informal conversation on questions such as –
a. What inequities do these women face in their countries?
b. What cultural, historical or political factors might promote these conditions?
c. Are there different perceptions regarding the status of these women?
d. Do western media reinforce stereotypes and misconceptions?
e. How can women in any culture help bridge misunderstandings or conflicting expectations among groups?
f. How can women help bring about change for equity for each other?

Refreshments will be served. The public is welcome and  there is no charge for attending. For further information call 978-352-8931

Human Trafficking in th U.S., Legal Seafood, Copley Place Dinner Meeting

The Boston Branch, AAUW has invited neighboring branch members to participate in a program about Human Trafficking in the U.S. It is a dinner meeting beginning at 6:15 p.m.,Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at Legal Seafood, Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston.

What is Human Trafficking in 2011? Who is affected? What can we do to help people move from modern bondage to freedom. Barbara Anderson, founder of "All Hands In" will lead us in the conversation.

Read one woman's story in an NPR related article that brings this problem close to home.

The Status of Women of Iran, Saturday, January 29, 1 PM, Beverly Library

A personal presentation, THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN IRAN is sponsored by the North Shore Area and Newburyport Area Branches, AAUW.

Sanaz, an AAUW member will give a presentation with real life experiences.

Sanaz came to the United States from Iran 5 years ago. She grew up in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Sanaz has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. She worked for 5 years as an Instrument Engineer and lead engineer in one of the biggest oil and gas companies in Iran. Sanaz received an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, Florida.

The public is welcome to the event. There is no charge for attendance. Light refreshments will be served.

Saturday, October 23, 2010, Leadership Training with Lisa Maatz

Mission NOT Impossible: Getting What You Need to Make It Happen, was the topic of  the morning. Lisa Maatz, AAUW Director of  Public Policy and Government Relations, led a leadership training  for members of all the North of  Boston branches.  The session was held at Brooksby Village in Peabody, with breakfast included.

Members learned about lobbying and making political contacts. Lisa also explained how members could develop skills and strategies in Outreach and Campus connections.

Liz Fragola, MA AAUW president invited all to attend the State Fall conference, held in partnership with Babson College Center for Women's Leadership on Saturday, November 6, at Babson College.

AAUW Holiday Party and Silent Auction

Guest speaker fellow Erin studying at Tufts

On Sunday, December 10, 2010, we held our Holiday Social and Silent Auction at Beverly Library. We enjoyed a homemade potluck lunch, a silent auction of new gifts donated by members, and a conversation with Erin, an AAUW Career Development Grant recipient, studying for a Masters degree at Tufts University, Medford.

Erin has  a concentration in International Environment and Resource Policy.
Erin's hope is to help link low-resource populations, in which women are often the most marginalized, with financing for and application of adaptive technologies and strategies.

delicious homemade lunch

the silent auction raised funds for our programs

After enjoying a scrumptious lunch and genial conversation, the attendees listen attentively to grant recipient Erin's talk about her area of interest

North Shore Area and Newburyport, MA members celebrate

 

Erin spoke after lunch

members enjoyed a nice Saturday get together

Coffee With the Authors, Saturday, November 20, 2010, 10 AM

The Newburyport Area and North Shore Area branches of AAUW partnered with the Friends of the Georgetown Peabody Library to present Coffee With the Authors in November.

Salem author, Brunonia Barry spoke about her second novel, "The Map of True Places" (see Amazon reviews) and Georgetown's own Sue Miller, under the name, Harriett B. Varney Miller, spoke about her first novel, "Birth of The Phoenix".

Read more information about the books and the event in the November/December North Shore Area Branch newsletter.

Photo is of a window in the old part of the library in Georgetown.

AAUW Delegation Visits Cuba, October 30 to November 4, 2010.

AAUW is one of the worlds leading voices on issues of equity for women and girls. Academic Travel Abroad organized a delegation of 45 women and one man, AAUW members from across the country, for the purpose of studying "Gender Equity and the Role of Women in Cuban Society." Approval of each participant was given by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department.

Pictured above is the delegation, smiling, as they enjoy an outstanding experience in Cuba. In the center of the  front row are Linda Hallman, Executive Diorector, AAUW, wearing a blue top. To the right of Linda is Mariela Castro Espin, Director, National Center for Sex Education and Research, and to  the right of Mariela is Carolyn Garfein, President, AAUW.