International Women's Day in OKC

Join Us at "DC on Film Row" for
a Timely and Insightful Discussion
on Advancing Women & Girls Through STEM 

Saturday, March 5th, at 1pm -- It's Free! 

Your OKC Chapter of the United Nations Association invites you to observe International Women's Day with us on Saturday, March 5th. We'll be visiting Oklahoma City's Film Row district where we will convene for a discussion on the subject of, "Advancing Women and Girls in Society through STEM." That's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Reserve Your Seat -- Register Online Now -- Free Tickets Available while They Last
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-womens-day-in-okc-tickets-22474218994

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right,
but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous
and sustainable world. Read more at
www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality

Why this topic? 

Well, gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Over the course of the next 15 years, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution to economic development of the world. Gender equality is one of the major themes of the UN's Goals for Sustainable Development.

Plus, science and technology are valuable tools for the advancement of those goals.

Ms Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, writes:

"The new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underlines the power of science as a driver for human rights and dignity, poverty eradication and the protection of the planet.... More than ever today, the world needs science and science needs women."  

To lift up this message, we have assembled a stellar team of local experts:

- Barbara Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma

- Amanda Harlin, Techlahoma Board of Directors, Secretary

- Dr. Sezin Kadioglu, OU Gallogly College of Engineering

They will offer their own perspectives on the importance of closing the gender gap in STEM.

The panel discussion will take place from 1pm to 2pm at DC on Film Row inside of Dunlap Codding at 609 W. Sheridan Ave. We will offer light snacks and drinks. This is a free program. Find more information at our Facebook Event page.

Who Should Attend? 

Men, Women, Teens, and Children -- anyone who is interested in gender equality, careers in science & technology, sustainable development, and the future of our planet.

Priya Desai, president of UNA-OKC, says, "Feel free to bring your children to learn more." 

According to the most recent UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 28 percent of researchers across the world, with the gap deepening at the higher echelons of decision-making.

A solar engineer trainer in India. "No country can move
forward with only half its creativity, energy, and dreams." 

Irina Bokova puts this problem into a global perspective:

"Women have less access to funding, to networks, to senior positions, which puts them at a further disadvantage in high impact science publishing.  

"This calls for deep and sustained change, starting in the earliest years through improved participation of women and girls in science education, training and research activities at all levels. 

"Girls’ and women’s access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) cannot be envisaged when girls and women remain the majority of out-of-school children, youth and illiterate adults. This gap throws a shadow over entire societies, as no country can move forward with only half its creativity, energy, and dreams."  

A "Cool" Event Space

DC on Film Row is a unique venue for this program. Our friends at DC on Film Row tell us that their goal is "To celebrate the incredible diversity of creativity, innovation, and passion within Oklahoma City and to provide a venue... to those groups and individuals working to bind us all together and make our home a cooler and better place."

DC on Film Row is located inside of Dunlap Codding, 609 W Sheridan Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Support Your Local Chapter of the UN Association 

To make the event more special, we invite you to participate in a Silent Auction supporting the good work of the UN Association in Oklahoma City. Auction items include:

• Avon Spa gift basket

• Gift basket from JR Watkins

• A Dodger Baseball gift basket - has baseball, shirt, banner (no tix)

Science Museum Oklahoma offers a diverse collection
of  interactive and historic exhibits and programs.
Photo by TravelOK.com

• A Science Museum Oklahoma gift basket- has goodies and TICKETS!

The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) is a membership organization dedicated to inform, inspire, and mobilize the American people to support the ideals and vital work of the United Nations. - See more at: http://unausa.org/about-us#sthash.Myew2kX3.dpuf

Join us on Saturday as we step up our efforts for gender equality, women’s empowerment, and women’s human rights.

Did You Know? 

When you join the United Nations Association of the USA, you are eligible to join the "UNA Women" Affinity Group. UNA Women advocates for UN programs that further women's rights and empowerment nationally and internationally.

UNA Women takes direction from the interests and passions of current UNA-USA members who convene in person and virtually, to advance important and timely issues related to women and girls. Participation in UNA Women is open to any current UNA-USA member.

See more at: UNA Women