SERVICE RESEARCH ADVOCACY Fall 2010

CEW Focuses on Women in a Changing Economy www.cew.umich.edu Green technology. Alternative energy. Life sciences. Automotive engineering. Advanced manufacturing. Infrastructure development. Homeland security. Hi-tech entrepreneurship. These are the sectors the state of Michigan is relying on to fuel economic transformation. They are also sectors in which women are not always widely represented and in which they may not be not well positioned to participate. There has been little, if any, public discussion of the role gender might play in the success or failure of Michigan's emerging economic development strategies. According to a 2009 Michigan Women's Commission report on the Status of Young Women in Michigan, Shouldn’t Every Nanny Receive Overtime Pay? only 15% of female students pursu- ing career and technical education hanks to the work of CEW farm hands and a variety of other CEW supports activists like Ai-jen programs in 2006-07 chose higher- Visiting Social Activist Ai-jen Poo, workers, are excluded from basic Poo through the Twink Frey paying non-traditional careers. more than 200,000 domestic work- employment protections that many Visiting Social Activist (VSA) erTs in New York State–most of of us take for granted. When the Program. Each year, the program whom are immigrant women of National Labor Relations Act was sponsors an activist whose work What kinds of support color–will soon have overtime pay, passed in 1935, most of the nation’s affects women and recognizes gen- do women need in order protection from discrimination, domestic and farm workers were der equity issues. By giving notice of termination and other African American. These profes- activists time, space and support to to take advantage of basic benefits. sions were specifically left out of work on a project that would not be training and education- Today an estimated 2.5 million the law at the urging of Southern possible under their usual working women in the labor as members of Congress who feared circumstances, the program builds al opportunities in the domestic workers, caring for our the emergence of an African Continued on page 3 high-tech sectors? children, our parents and our American labor movement. homes. Despite the precious items Successful Campaign In this Issue: Americans entrust to their care, Ms. Poo spent six years organizing In 2006, women were only 10% of Page 2 Letter from the Director domestic workers are among the and conducting a statewide cam- undergraduates enrolled in engi- most vulnerable workers in the U.S. paign to pass the Domestic Workers Page 3 Voices of Contingent neering technology and only 17% Many face exploitation and abuse. Bill of Rights, a piece of legislation Faculty of those enrolled in computer They are often paid well below the signed into law by New York Page 5 Combating Isolation: networking and telecommunica- minimum wage, receive no paid Governor David Paterson. This first Women of Color in the tions. Largely because of their Academy Project sick or vacation days, and are U.S. legislation of its kind has career choices, Michigan women forced to work overtime with little encouraged activists in other states Page 6 Women of Color Task Force working full time earn only 72 or no advance notice. Some are to model their efforts on the suc- Promotes Career cents to every dollar earned by Advancement verbally and/or physically assaulted cessful campaign led by Ms. Poo’s comparably employed men-one by their employers or fired without organization, Domestic Workers Page 7 Book Review of the lowest wage ratios in the notice or severance pay. United, and the New York Domestic Page 8 CEW Scholarships: Helping country. These nannies and maids, as well as Workers Justice Coalition. Women Achieve Their Continued on page 4 Dreams CEW STAFF THE DIRECTOR Gloria D. Thomas from Director Kirsten Elling CEW’s Mission Enabling others to reach their Associate Director for Counseling, Programs and Services potential is central to CEW's The Susan Kaufmann mission. Relying on the talents and Associate Director for Advocacy Welcome to our Fall 2010 Center for the Education of beneficence of others, we continual- Kristina Bingham Jacqueline Bowman Newsletter. Women (CEW) advances the ly strive to ensure victories for the Eilisha Dermont women we serve. The annual CEW Valerie Eaglin As part of a year-long reevaluation personal, educational, career, Connie Hansen Scholarship Program, celebrating its Jackie Johnson and strategic planning process, professional and leadership Roxann Keating CEW staff recently refined our 40th year in 2010, is one of our Jeanne Miller most notable examples of helping Catherine Mueller mission statement, which you'll find potential of women. The Doreen Murasky women at the University of Janice Reuben in the box on this page. In addition, services, programs, applied V. Thandi Sule we created a vision for the future of Michigan to succeed. As a way to Beth Sullivan research, and action initiatives share with you some of the high- Ching-Yune Sylvester CEW, with the goal of making the Jean Waltman Center “a preeminent resource and conducted by CEW promote lights of the upcoming October Audrey Williams scholarship awards ceremony, this Betsy Wilson a thought and action leader” on top- inclusiveness and equity ics of importance to women both newsletter gives you an overview of Director Emerita within the Carol Hollenshead locally and beyond. This, of course, the amazing accomplishments and career goals of some of our nearly Graduate Student Researchers has always been CEW's raison University, across the state and Heather Branton d'etre, but recommitting ourselves 1,400 scholars. We are forever Inger Bergom throughout the nation. Greg Storms to the ideal has been exciting and grateful to all of the friends of CEW who give generously of their re-energizing. As the newsletter's lead article Leadership Council time and money to support the Jean W. Campbell, Ann Arbor MI In this newsletter you'll find many shows, The Center stays informed Lee Gorman, Ann Arbor, MI endeavors of so many accomplished Susan S. Gutow, Ann Arbor, MI examples of present, future and about women's issues world-wide, women. Constance M. Kinnear, Ann Arbor,MI on-going efforts to address major in part by supporting visiting Rani Kotha, Ann Arbor, MI Finally, I hope everyone who reads Robert D. Oliver, Ann Arbor, MI issues affecting women locally and researchers and social activists who Ann Sneed Schriber, Ann Arbor MI nationally. Our goals are always to toil on behalf of women every- this newsletter will find something Gil Seinfeld, Ann Arbor, MI where. Our most recent visiting that adds to her or his knowledge of Marina v. N. Whitman, Ann Arbor MI effect change, keep you informed, and summon your help when and social activist, funded by the Twink women's work in the world. Our Emeritae Council where needed. I'm proud of the Frey Visiting Social Activist feature “Books of Interest” may Menakka M. Bailey, Ann Arbor, MI even suggest a novel or non-fiction Lisa Baker, Ann Arbor,MI scope of these endeavors, which Program, was Ai-jen Poo. Her six- Nancy Barbour, Alexandria, VA illustrate our ability not only to act year effort to secure basic employ- book for your reading list. Norma C. Barfield, Bloomfield Hills, MI ment rights for New York's domes- Ellen M. Byerlein, Petoskey, MI independently but also to support As you well know, September on a Lois P. Cohn, Bloomfield Hills, MI the efforts of women and women's tic workers, many of whom are university campus is an exciting Julie F. Cummings, Birmingham, MI organizations and to be an informa- immigrant women of color, has time of new beginnings. I wish you Martha Meier Dean, Newton Square, PA Beverly B. Denbo, Bethesda, MD tion resource for our friends. succeeded. Governor Paterson a happy, rejuvenating Fall. Anthony Derezinski, Ann Arbor MI With respect to a national issue for signed the Domestic Workers Bill Molly H. Dobson, Ann Arbor MI of Rights into law at the end of Anne Duderstadt, Ann Arbor, MI women in academe, CEW's own Susan S. Florsheim, Highland Park, IL research team recently completed a August. Everyone at CEW learned Twink Frey, Grand Rapids, MI so much from Ai-jen about the Beverley Geltner, Ann Arbor, MI three-year project about career sat- Matina Souretis Horner, Belmont, MA isfaction among the ever-growing issues of gendered working condi- Judith H. Lax, Ann Arbor, MI tions and labor laws, and we're Anne E. Lehker, Milford, MI numbers of non-tenure eligible Gloria D. Thomas Ashley M. Maentz, Lake Bluff, IL instructional faculty at our colleges eager to share the successes of Ai- [email protected] William Martin, Ann Arbor, MI and universities. It's amazing to jen's work and how it might be used Rebecca McGowan, Ann Arbor, MI as a template for similar legislation Ann V. Parfet, Kalamazoo, MI realize that non-tenure track profes- Lana B. Pollack, Ann Arbor, MI sionals now make up close to 70% in other states. Sheila M. Potiker, La Jolla, CA Kathleen K. Power, Ann Arbor, MI of the faculty at all US degree- In addition, throughout the newslet- Desma Reid-Coleman, Detroit, MI granting institutions, and of this ter are examples of the ways that Margaret A. Riecker, Midland MI CEW is using its resources to Karla Scherer, Chicago, IL growing rank, women comprise a Martha R. Seger, Ann Arbor, MI majority. On page 3 you'll find a address women's issues on campus, Carol S. Smokler, Boca Raton, FL summary discussion of the research by supporting the important work of Maxine J. Snider, Chicago, IL Nellie M. Varner, Detroit, MI findings from our Alfred P. Sloan UM student researchers and women Erica A. Ward, Bloomfield Hills, MI Foundation-funded project. of color staff and faculty.

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Center for the Education of Women University of Michigan Fall 2010 Page 2

CEW Visiting Social Activist Continued from page 1 the capacity and effectiveness of social movements. “My experience at CEW will stay with me and inform my work for years to come,” said Ms. Poo, who spent a month at CEW this past year. She is the most recent of five women to be selected since the program began in 2005. The Activist Program Each activist is required to create a product that will enrich further activism in the field. For her proj- ect, Ms. Poo wrote of the strategies used and lessons learned during the Bill of Rights campaign. One thou- sand copies of her report were shared at the U.S. Social Forum

“My experience Teaching Without Tenure–Non-tenureof Track Contingent Faculty Speak Instructional Out in CEW Faculty Video at CEW will stay Voices with me and The higher education community has been talking about it for a decade. Now even (7/20/10) inform my work has joined the conversation. The topic? Non-tenure-track faculty. These faculty, also called contingent, adjunct for years to come.” Ai-Jen Poo or part-timers (although many work full time), are employed in positions that are not eligible for tenure. CEW has conducted research on faculty in these positions for several years and has found that, as compared to tenure- track and tenured faculty, contingent faculty are disproportionately female. held in Detroit this June. The As part of the project “Contingent Faculty in a Tenure Track World,” which sought to discover what these facul- Forum was a nationwide social ty find rewarding or challenging in their careers and work-lives, CEW added to the national discourse in a unique justice conference and therefore an way. Voices of Contingent Faculty is a new five-minute CEW video featuring quotations from faculty members opportunity for Ms. Poo to organize we interviewed. The video is available at http://www.cew.umich.edu and can also be found on YouTube. with other workers excluded from labor law. At an “Excluded Reaction to the video has been positive. The Chronicle of Higher Education featured it and our research findings Workers Congress” convened dur- in a June, 2010 article. The American Federation of Teachers, which represents many unionized faculty, request- ing the Forum, domestic workers ed permission to feature the video on its website. Individual non-tenure track faculty described it as representa- joined with farm workers, taxi driv- tive of their stories. ers and others to develop a strategy The video focuses on two important findings from the research project: that non-tenure-track faculty love specific for expanding labor protections aspects of their jobs, particularly teaching; and that a main source of dissatisfaction for them is a sense of exclu- nationwide. sion and disrespect for their work on the part of colleagues and administrators. To download a copy of “Organizing Several additional themes rose from the study as well. As faculty talked in small groups about their work and with Love: Lessons from the New their work-lives, our researchers found that their concerns also include a lack of security–their contracts are occa- York Domestic Workers Bill of sionally one-year or less–along with a lack of clear career paths or professional growth opportunities. On the Rights Campaign” or to learn more other hand, many of these faculty choose to work off the tenure track not simply because they wish to focus on about the Visiting Social Activist teaching (as opposed to research) but also because of the flexibility it affords them. They find a better work-life program, visit: balance without the pressures of publishing, attaining tenure, and participating in departmental/college http://www.cew.umich.edu/cewac- committee work. tion/activists.html The “Contingent Faculty in a Tenure Track World” study consisted of focus groups with non-tenure-track faculty that CEW held at twelve research universities across the country. Over 300 faculty participated in these discus- Look for a new slate sions, which CEW research staff then transcribed and analyzed. The findings emerged from themes we heard in all or most of the groups, regardless of institution. Our sample reflected the non-tenure-track workforce at of CEW programs in research institutions. The results of similar research at other types of institutions, for example community col- the Fall. You can find leges, might be different. The study was funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. the listing on our web site: www.cew.umich.edu in early September.

Over Forty Years of Providing Service, Research and Advocacy Page 3

WOCAP: Combating Isolation in Academia

rofessional and social isolation “Being isolated in any 4) To serve as a model for future often voiced by women of color situation is never fun, but in recruitment and retention programs faculty is one of the issues that the academia it is so hard because for women of color faculty at the WomenP of Color in the Academy there is so much to do that, if national and international levels. you are doing it all alone, not Project (WOCAP) was formed to Maintaining a diverse faculty at the address. In 1994, based on discus- only are you not getting syner- gy and not getting help and University of Michigan is critical sions with women of color faculty assistance, but you are also from an educational perspective. By advancing the careers of women of at the University of Michigan, the not going to be as successful.” color faculty on our campus, we encourage the retention of students of Center for the Education of color and support the exchange of diverse viewpoints in our classrooms. -a female faculty member at UM Women and the Women’s Studies This is essential to students’ intellectual and social development. On the from “Women of Color Faculty Department jointly submitted a suc- research front, a diverse faculty creates an environment that encourages at the University of Michigan: cessful proposal to the Office of the innovative scholarship and paradigm shifts–moving us away from tradi- Recruitment, Retention, and Vice President for Research and the tional areas and methods of research. Office of the Provost. The founding Campus Climate, 2008” The campus-wide WOCAP faculty steering committee extends an charges were: by Aimee Cox invitation to all faculty who are, or identify with, women of 1) To highlight the contributions color, and who would like to work together to call attention to structural that women of color make to the University community and to society at barriers and promote solutions to enhance the success of women in color large, both academically and culturally. in academia. 2) To build a network of women of color faculty that serves as a support system for their research undertakings, academic career develop- The 2010-2011 WOCAP committee members are: ment, and enhanced career satisfaction, thus supporting their retention. Paulina Alberto (History & Romance Languages) As indicated in the opening quotation, and reflected in the second charge Robin Means Coleman (Afro-American and African Studies & for WOCAP, the creation of an active network of women of color scholars Communication Studies) can serve a dual purpose: to support both the intellectual and social lives of faculty and thus to enhance their professional success. WOCAP meets Ixchel Faniel (Information) these needs by hosting professional development workshops, networking Shazia Iftkhar (Communication Studies) and mentoring events, as well as research symposiums. Stella Pang (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) Since the passage of Proposal 2, which outlawed many affirmative action Stephanie Rowley (Psychology & Education) policies in the state of Michigan, the overall percentage of women of color Robin Wilson (Dance) tenured and tenure-track faculty has remained stagnant at 7%; the percent- age rose from 2% to 7% between 1990-2005 (PACWI: Status of Women at Melissa Valerio (Health Behavior and Health Education) the University of Michigan, 2009; data up to November 2007). In order to Mieko Yoshihama (Social Work) spur change, WOCAP recently revised its mission to reflect a greater inter- est in advocacy, visibility, and collective action as viable structural inter- Ching-Yune C. Sylvester is the WOCAP Coordinator. ventions. In 2008, WOCAP added two additional charges to its mission: Reach her at [email protected] or call her at 3) To advocate on behalf of women of color faculty and graduate students 734.764.6005 by working collectively for progressive institutional change with the goal WOCAP offers networking events throughout the of creating healthy and equitable environments in which to engage in year. Please contact Ching-Yune to be put on the mailing list. scholarly activity.

Women in a Changing Economy Continued from page 1

In late June, CEW started a public = How can we ensure that work- women need in order to take advan- research in order to strengthen our conversation by convening a meet- force development programs con- tage of training and educational focus on these pressing issues. ing with leaders of many local cam- sider gender in their policies and opportunities? pus- and community-based organi- programs? = What opportunities do we have zations that address women's = How can we help less-educat- to collaborate on programs or serv- Need a different direction? employment. We discussed what ed, lower-paid women move beyond ices that assist women in negotiat- could be done to ensure that women Take our series of career service jobs to gain access to educa- ing economic transitions? changer workshops. succeed as the state economy shifts. tion and work in high-tech sectors? The conversation followed several CEW is continuing to talk with http://www.cew.umich.edu = What kinds of supports do threads: community leaders and to conduct

CenterCenter forfor the the Education Education of ofWomen Women University University of Michigan of MichiganFall 2010 Fall 2009 PagePage 44

WCTF Promotes Career Advancement of Women of Color Staff

the UM Diversity Council and the UMHS Human Resources Office, campus-wide Voices of the Staff the School of Education, the Office organization to develop two new of Academic Multicultural major initiatives to empower U-M Initiatives, and the UMHS Office of staff to take more responsibility for Organizational Effectiveness. Their their individual and collective commitment–plus the dedication, career aspirations. time and effort of more than 250 women who have served the organ- Tesenga D. Smith, a UM graduate, ization during its 30 years of exis- WCTF member and newly promot- tence–is a testament to the impor- ed program manager at the Center tant role that WCTF plays in provid- for Global and Intercultural Study, ing career development for all UM praises the mentoring she has personnel. received from many previous and WCTF Members 2010 current WCTF members “who have ddressing the needs of the The most successful and well made a concerted effort to pave the way University of Michigan's women of known project of the Task Force for women of color staff new to the uni- CEW welcomes our color staff members has long been has always been its annual career versity system…. I have learned from first Riecker A WCTF members to give back and men- an important part of CEW's development conference, the Graduate Student mission. In the late 1970s, women largest such gathering on the UM tor others as I grow professionally.” Researcher of color, particularly African campus. 2011 marks the 29th According to Janice Reuben, WCTF American women, found it difficult anniversary of the WCTF confer- Coordinator, one of her greatest Why do female to get the mentoring and training ence, which more than 600 women pleasures is “to see members tran- architects, they needed to advance in their and men (90% of whom are UM sition off the Task Force because lawyers, MBA's careers. After attending a staff employees) attend each Spring. they have assumed more senior and women in development conference at Duke WCTF Initiatives administrative positions at UM. other tradition- University, UM employees Jennie In support of its membership, the While they may no longer be able ally male-domi- Partee and Beulah Sanders decid- Task Force has many other initia- to attend WCTF meetings, these nated profes- ed to create a similar event at tives as well. Leadership develop- women are now in positions to sions leave at higher rates than Michigan. Their efforts led to the ment has been its primary focus encourage their employees to their male cohorts? Where do creation of the Minority Women for the past four years. WCTF's attend the conference and work- they go? Do they return? What Task Force. In this networking elected executive officers and proj- shops and thus continue their sup- is happening in these profes- group, women came together to ect coordinator Janice Reuben port of WCTF.” sions that makes women less mentor and support each other likely to stay the course? have created capacity-building, Support and share institutional knowledge. Understanding the reasons leadership-skills workshops that Over the years, many units at the behind the departures will help The group, renamed the Women of prepare members to take on mana- University have joined CEW in sup- organizations identify strategic Color Task Force (WCTF), became gerial roles and think more strate- porting the Women of Color Task changes to retain women. officially affiliated with the Center gically about their careers. This Force, including the Human for the Education of Women in year, for example, WCTF has funds Resources/Affirmative Action Greg Storms, the first Riecker 2002. Since that time, the WCTF from University Human Resources, Office, the Office of the Provost, the Graduate Student Research steering committee and members Fund recipient, is working with have been working with CEW staff the CEW research team to inves- The WCTF Conference to understand and overcome the tigate these issues. Greg is a The 29th annual conference will take place on Friday, March 4, 2011, same kinds of workplace chal- doctoral student in Anthropology from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Michigan League. New leadership lenges that inhibited women of at UM. He has an undergradu- development and career enhancement workshops will be offered this color 30 years ago. Among those ate and a graduate degree from year. In addition, WCTF will partner with MHealthy to provide workshop obstacles, WCTF members per- UM Flint with a focus on gender sessions and breakout discussion groups on some of the top risk fac- ceive that they are less likely than studies. other staff members to be: tors (stress, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease) affect- ing the lives of women and men, especially people of color, at the CEW offers heartfelt thanks to our = Considered for promotion University of Michigan. longtime friend and supporter, Ranny into managerial roles Riecker, for establishing the Riecker The 2011 conference theme focuses on identifying strengths and maxi- = Graduate Student Research Fund. Recognized for their lead- mizing resources. Registration for the 29th Annual WCTF Career Riecker's challenge–a dollar for dol- ership capabilities Conference will open in January 2011 on CEW’s website at lar match of gifts up to = www.cew.umich.edu. Selected for committee $200,000–ignited many supporters to membership For additional information about joining the Women of Color Task or whom we are also grateful. = Chosen to participate in submitting a workshop proposal, please contact Janice Reuben by call- high profile projects ing 734-764-6331 or via email at [email protected].

Over Forty Years of Providing Service, Research and Advocacy Page 5

Books of Interest

In each newsletter issue CEW staff members review books that we have found interesting, thought-provoking or useful. Our next newsletter will include a review of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. “It is a thorny and provocative book about cancer, racism, scientific ethics and crippling poverty,”according to Dwight Garner in the New York Times Review of Books. Join us in this fascinating read.

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression also to galvanize, Kristof and WuDunn encourage readers to support a into Opportunity for Women wide variety of organizations that are making a difference. They ask us to Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof join the growing global movement to empower women, contributing in and Sheryl WuDunn. any way we can. As they point out, change often seems impossible until the moment it becomes inevitable. Susan Kaufmann In Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide (Vintage Books: New York, 2009), Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn have written a searing, shock-and- Violence is also an Everyday Reality for Women in the US awe investigation of the widespread cruelties and transcendent triumphs Although Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn focus primarily on vio- experienced by women around the world. Shock at the sometimes lence inflicted on women in and , it is also part of everyday unimaginable cruelty directed toward women and girls, awe at those reality for women in the United States. One problem of particular con- women who surmount atrocity or oppression to become community lead- cern to the Center for the Education of Women is the high rate of cam- ers dedicated to uplifting women by providing education, health care, pus sexual assaults. One in five college women will experience an safety, economic opportunity, or increased status in family and public life. attempted or completed rape before graduating, according to the U.S. Kristof and WuDunn focus primarily on trafficking and sexual slavery, Department of Justice. Only 5% of them report their assaults to cam- mass rape and sexual mutilation as a strategy of war, honor killing and pus officials. disfigurement, female genital cutting, maternal mortality, and fistulas A nine-month nation-wide investigation by the Center for Public resulting from rape and obstructed childbirth, while also portraying Integrity (CPI), published this year as a series of articles available at women's daily experiences of routine rape, battering and neglect. They www.publicintegrity.org/investigations/campus_assault/articles/entry/1 call us to join a growing global human rights movement, akin to the 948/, paints a disturbing picture. They describe widespread misunder- abolition of slavery, to end violence, exploitation, and oppression directed standing of the dynamics of campus rapes, pervasive under-reporting, toward the world's women and girls. ineffective campus judicial systems and a history of lax enforcement of Not only women stand to gain. As the authors point out repeatedly, the federal laws meant to protect students. As a result, all too often, the most effective way to stimulate growth in developing economies is to victim drops out of college, traumatized, while the perpetrator contin- educate girls and women, unleashing the productive capacity of half the ues his education without interruption. population. Once educated, women marry later, invest resources in the Central to widespread failure of institutions to provide justice for sur- well-being of their children, have fewer babies, and become more eco- vivors and to hold rapists accountable is the deep-rooted belief that nomically productive. As they bring income to their families and commu- campus acquaintance rapes are the result of youthful “misunderstand- nities, they are treated with greater respect and are more likely to be ing.” Not so, says University of Massachusetts-Boston professor included in decision making. Often relatively modest investments are David Lisak, who surveyed 1,900 male students about their propensity required to spur these changes. Keeping girls in school requires local to rape. He found that “the vast majority of rapes are perpetrated by advocacy, adequate clothing (including underwear), sanitary pads, and serial offenders who, on average, have six victims (CPI 2010).” They privacy for personal hygiene. plan their crimes in advance, targeting vulnerable women such as those Kristof and WuDunn also point to the critical importance of economic who are very drunk or are newly arrived on campus and looking for participation for women. They show how girls who bring income to their acceptance. families may avoid child marriage and how micro-credit permits women Since 1995, CEW has led sustained campus and community collabora- to start with very small loans that they can parlay into income-producing tions to address sexual and intimate partner violence. A year ago, with activities, better nutrition and school fees for their children. Because loans University Human Resources, we launched the campus-wide Abuse are typically made to groups, micro-lending also moves women into a Hurts Initiative addressing domestic and sexual violence affecting public space in which they can organize to increase their rights. Larger- members of the University community. Also last year, we collaborated scale change occurs when young women are not only educated but permit- with student organizations and campus partners who were interested in ted to move to cities to take factory jobs. altering the campus judicial system to make it more responsive to the Kristof and WuDunn cast a skeptical eye at large-scale international aid needs of sexual assault survivors. In the coming years, we will be efforts that are not effective in engaging, understanding and influencing partnering with those organizations to raise the level of community local culture, although they do acknowledge the successes of CARE, awareness about sexual violence and to continue improving institution- Heifer International and other organizations in effectively organizing and al response supporting women. They point to the accomplishments of local, grass- Like Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, we know that violence roots efforts of the sort pioneered by the courageous women and men against women is a global phenomenon with local solutions, and we profiled throughout the book. Since their project is not only to inform but are committed to remaining a catalyst for change.

Center for the Education of Women University of Michigan Fall 2010 Page 6

CEW's New Robin Wright Graduate Fellowship Supports International Research

CEW awarded the Robin Wright Graduate Fellowship for the first time in Spring, 2010. An internationally esteemed journalist, expert, and University of Michigan alumna, Robin Wright created this award to support the work of a UM graduate student from Africa or the Islamic World. Robin Wright has reported from more than 140 countries, but her pri- mary passion and expertise is the , about which she has written five books. Wright's CEW fellowship highlights her commit- ment to research on contemporary international and global issues, especially those related to political, economic or societal change in the Middle East or Africa and to new solutions for issues arising from the spread of globalization. The Fellowship places high priority on women graduate students who conduct their research abroad and who intend to return to their home countries to contribute their scholarly and professional skills. Wright believes that women are agents of change in the Middle East and Africa, and the Robin Wright Graduate Fellowship is another way that she is supporting those efforts. Robin Wright Graduate Fellowship recipient Faiza Moatasim, pictured at the Acropolis in Athens. Moatasim is in Greece to do archival research at the Doxiadis Archives at This year's Robin Wright Graduate Fellowship recipient is Faiza the Benaki Museum. Moatasim, a student in the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan. Faiza spent part of this on-going spatial and social tensions, and to identify possible future reme- summer in Athens, researching the archives of C.A. Doxiadis, a noted dies. Greek architect who was commissioned in 1947 to design Islamabad, Faiza is committed to addressing the housing issues of the underprivi- a modern capital for Pakistan. As Faiza explains, Doxiadis and other leged, who represent the vast majority of Pakistanis. “Architects,”she planners envisioned cities that gave “physical shape to aspirations for believes, “have a social obligation to create equitable environments, prosperity and progress in the newly independent states.” The cities accessible to all and not just to the minority who can afford to pay for they created were accessible primarily to governmental officials and their services.” others “who could afford to purchase expensive residential property.” The planners failed to anticipate the need for a “balanced representa- "Getting funding at this formative stage is very crucial for any doctoral tion of population from all segments of society, especially the under- student," says Faiza, "and I am absolutely certain that it will benefit the privileged.”As a result, spontaneous “squatter settlements” rose up progress of my research by leaps and bounds. I am grateful to Robin and continue to grow in areas in and around Islamabad, as well as Wright and CEW for the confidence they have in me." around the Indian capital of Chandigarh. Faiza's goal is to investigate CEW thanks Robin Wright for her commitment to research on global issues the decisions made by Doxiadis and his contemporaries, to explore the through her work and her generous support to establish this fund.

Staff Picks Some of the CEW staff favorite books of the summer

Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: horror all around, it's a truly uplift- and grammar, and the (mis)under- The Gift of Rain by 7 Basic Principles for Turning ing story with great, lovable charac- standings of class. Jeanne Miller. Tan Twan Eng Conflict into Cooperation by Becky ters. And one of the most endear- Slow moving at Bailey, PhD. Covering: The Hidden Assault on ing, fascinating characters is first, this book It's a great book on how to recog- Our Civil Rights by Kenji Yoshino Death, the narrator. draws you into the nize your own feelings and actions Jean Waltman Japanese-American, gay law pro- fessor Kenji Yoshino talks about life of Phillip and how to interact with others, not The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Hutton, the half Muriel Barbery how gays, racial minorities and just your children, to promote Chinese, half British I described this women are forced to "cover" their cooperation and understanding. son of a wealthy Penang family. novel on identities–by adopting behaviors It's by far the best parenting book Eng examines the personal costs of Goodreads.com associated with straight, white I've read. (But it's not just for par- war when loyalty to family and (a website males. Yoshino demonstrates that enting. I think everyone should read country is challenged by love. His where you can courts often force people to assim- this book!) Kristina Bingham matter-of-fact accounting of the keep track of ilate (their behaviors) because they terrible crimes of that time is books you want “can,”disregarding the legitimacy The Book Thief by amplified by the very simplicity and Marcus Zusak to read, are reading, and have read, of the demand that they do so. He beauty of his prose. This novel is set in and can share with others) as argues that people should not be Eilisha Dermont Nazi Germany and, "weirdly wonderful." Several of its forced to "cover" behaviors that though there's elements appealed to me: the are integral to themselves. quirky characters, the Parisian Ching-Yune Sylvester setting, the emphasis on language

Over Forty Years of Providing Service, Research and Advocacy Page 7

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CEWCEW Scholarship Celebrates Program: Supporting 40 Years Women's of EducationalScholarships Dreams

EW scholars are incredible women, many of whom have overcome Who are these scholars? major obstacles in their lives, including the challenges of single parent- The scholarships honor the performance and potential of students who Chood, their own or family members' illnesses, poverty and financial crises, have interruptions in their educations, strong academic records, and and dysfunctional childhoods. The Center created its Scholarship Program impressive past accomplishments and future goals. The awards, which in 1970 with the goal of enabling these and other non-traditional women average $6,000, go to women, and men, in any undergraduate or graduate to begin, persevere, and complete their University of Michigan education. program on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, or Flint campuses. Times have changed in the past 40 years. Women at the University of Before returning to their studies, CEW scholars over the years have held Michigan now earn over 50% of undergraduate degrees and over 40% of myriad high-paying or minimum-wage jobs, from politicians and govern- graduate degrees (Status of Women Report, University of Michigan, 2007- ment officials to Peace Corps volunteers; from auto assembly workers to 2008). But these numbers do not tell the whole story. Behind today's sta- medical professionals; and from at-home moms to professional musicians, tistics are many women who struggle as much as their 1970 predecessors to name only a few. to achieve their educational dreams–or who give up secure careers in order The scholars have used their awards to help them assume careers in as to devote themselves to solving the world's social, political and environ- many or more fields as there are disciplines at the University of Michigan. mental problems. CEW scholars are today contributing their knowledge and talents across Among the 2010-2011 scholars, for example: the world. They are doctors and nurses caring for the elderly and the dis- = Debra Williams is turning the misfortune of losing her position at enfranchised; opera singers, musicians, and artists; teachers, scholars, Pfizer into an opportunity to complete her degree in American Culture and social workers, lawyers, and public policy experts working across the become a teacher. spectrum of disadvantaged populations; environmentalists and urban plan- = Vershon Hammonds, who grew up in a house where life was extreme- ners addressing issues of sustainable agriculture and land and water use; ly difficult, intends to use her UM-Flint degree in Social Work to help the and scientific researchers working to cure all kinds of diseases. homeless and others struggling to survive. The Scholarship History = Seeing her traditional career as a journalist become more and more ten- Former CEW Director Jean Campbell first established the Scholarship uous, Emilia Askari will use the skills from an MA from the School of Program in 1970 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the admission Information to address such issues as “Who will watchdog the govern- of women to the University of Michigan. In the beginning, private dona- ment?” and “Who will gather crucial news that has little commercial tions were used to establish a general scholarship fund, and the awards value?” were simply called “CEW Scholarships.” Then, in 1990, the Margaret and Harry Towsley Foundation guaranteed the future of the program with a $1 = Rebecca Held, drawing upon her experiences in the Peace Corps, plans million endowment. In the twenty years since then, 453 women have been to complete her degree from the School of Natural Resources and named Margaret Dow Towsley scholars. Today, the Towsley Scholarships Environment in order to help mitigate the problems of climate change. are just some of many more scholarships created by private donors. = After a varied career as a teacher and soldier, Nicole Novetsky is deter- Commemorating 40 Years mined to use her master's degree in Modern Middle Eastern and North African Studies to “expand our knowledge of Islamic culture and build On October 7, 2010, fifty-one amazing women will join the community of coalitions with Muslim groups here and abroad.” CEW scholars and fellows. To honor the 40th anniversary of the CEW Scholarship Program, we plan to make this year's Award Program especial- CEW Scholarships Fill a Need ly joyful, celebrating the rich partnership among CEW staff, the University It's clear that CEW scholarships still fill an enormous need. This year's 51 community and our generous friends and supporters. The Center for the scholars and fellows–like the 1,341 who have preceded them–rely on the Education of Women, the scholars and their families express our sincerest financial support. As important as the money, however, is the confidence gratitude and admiration to the generous donors and friends who have they develop in knowing that someone believes in them. One of this year's worked together to build such a legacy of giving and support for women scholars expressed her thoughts this way: “It is one thing to believe in students. yourself, but it is truly rewarding to have someone else take a stance to express their belief in you as well. Every time I think about the scholar- ship you have awarded me, I am reminded that someone believes in me, someone else is rooting for me to succeed.”

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