Women now work in every sector of society,
but they're still a long way from equal
pay and rights. Given this reality, many groups
have formed to fight for true equality, create
community, and boost the profiles of working women.
This list, in no particular order, highlights organizations
carving out spaces for female professionals.
Kicking off the list at # 1 is
the Illinois Woman's Press Association. Operating since 18
85 its objective is to maintain and improve
the standards of members in mass communications in
Illinois, to promote their interests, and to provide
for the sharing of ideas and information. IWPA
is an affiliate of the National Federation of
Press Women.
In 19 95 the IWPA established an education
fund. It exists to encourage and support students
and advisors in the pursuit of journalism careers,
as well as provide continuing education for IWPA
members. The Association also runs two contests, one
for professionals and another for high schoolers.
Coming in at # 2 we have Women
in Cable Telecommunications. WICT's mission is to create
women leaders who transform this industry. It works
toward this goal by providing professional development programs,
commissioning gender research, and supporting a B2B network.
WICT partners with cable and technology companies to
help build a more robust pipeline of women
leaders. Founded in 19 79 the organization hosts
a conference each year, with keynote speakers and
breakout sessions to share information and boost camaraderie.
The # 3 entry is the Georgia Association
of Black Women Attorneys. This voluntary bar organization
works to nurture support, and galvanize the power
of these attorneys to focus on three main
issues the concerns of women and children black
female representation in the judiciary and public offices
and proactivity with regards to politics.
GABWA has members throughout the state, with regional
chapters in cities such as Albany Augusta Columbus
Macon, and Savannah. It hosts several programs and
events across Georgia, including monthly general meetings and
community service projects. The Association also maintains the
GABWA Foundation, which has, among other things, awarded
scholarships to deserving African-American women students attending law
school in the state.
Next up, at # 4 we get the
Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association for Women
in Communications. The organization strives to provide members
access to role models and leaders in the
communications field, and to share scholarships research, and
related technologies.
The chapter hosts educational seminars in the Central
California coast region, meant to help members stay
abreast of trends and shifts in the global
communications economy occupations, and professions. Every year, the
AWC SB organizes the Women of Achievement Awards,
where winners have included CEOs journalists, and other
professionals.
For # 5 we present New York Women
in Film & Television, an organization that advocates
for equality in the moving image industry. NYWIFT
produces many programs and special events, including the
Muse Awards for Vision and Achievement, which honors
women in front of and behind the camera.
Another event, Designing Women, recognizes costume designers, makeup
artists, and hairstylists in the industry. NYWIFT aims
to energize women by presenting training and professional
development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing
access to a supportive community of peers.
Up next, at # 6 we find Washington
Women in Public Relations, which is committed to
advancing women in the field. Based out of
Washington DC, it is a member-based professional society
working to cultivate and inspire female communicators to
reach their full potential in the mid-Atlantic market
and beyond.
To fulfill its mission, the organization provides leadership
opportunities, professional development mentorship, and industry networking. It
started the annual Flack Attack Program, which is
now the Media Roundtable luncheon, where journalists and
editors discuss best practices in media relations.
Last but not least, at # 7 we
come to Pacific Women In Politics. This group,
based in Fiji, aims to boost the participation
of Pacific Islander women in politics, with the
ultimate goal of achieving gender equality in the
field. It seeks to cultivate support for female
candidates through campaign training as well as campaign
fundraising.
The organization collects publications on issues related to
women in politics, from both the Pacific and
around the world, in order to inform and
inspire its members. It also hosts a number
of forums and other events throughout the year
to boost the profiles of candidates.