On April 26, Mount Saint Mary’s students joined in 50/50 Day, a global day to raise awareness of the need for a more gender-balanced approach to government, the workforce and other areas of public influence.
Students set up booths at both University campuses to engage other Athenians in discussions about the importance of gender parity, paths to achieving it and what students can do now to take action.
Caitlyn Keeve ’20, organized the Chalon Campus conversations. “This was a great chance to talk about a variety of topics,” she said. “Students particularly enjoyed talking about gender equity and representation in healthcare and law.”
Keeve’s efforts drew the notice of faculty, too. Andree Leighton, PhD, stopped by and heard Keeve – and then invited Keeve to come speak to 20-plus students in Leighton’s political science class later that day.
The student-driven events were part of a global day of conversation and action toward the #GettingTo5050 movement, an effort led by the Women in Public Service Project and Let It Ripple Studios to engage policymakers and gender parity champions in creating a more equitable world.
Mount Saint Mary’s is a partner of the Women in Public Service Project, and President Ann McElaney-Johnson serves on the WPSP’s board of directors. Learn more about the #GettingTo5050 effort.