Advocating to Change Academia for Mothers

Chromatography Flowers (Image Credit: BuggyandBuddy.com)

In a commentary for Nature, Fernanda Staniscuaski writes that "[w]orldwide, mothers are too often pushed out of academia. But we are stepping up to push for a revolution in academia. Individuals and groups affected by the hostile academic environment should unite.

By organizing to seek change, mothers put ourselves at the forefront of work to reshape academic culture. Our efforts extend beyond personal struggles — we are architects of a transformative movement. The struggle for change spearheaded by mothers yields benefits for the entire academic community."

Eds note: Check out some of our other posts about mothers in STEM:

• The Story Behind the Book, “MOTHERS IN ASTRONOMY" (September, 2023)
• Crosspost: The Impacts of Parenthood Are Not Equal (November, 2021))
  
• Crosspost: Survey: Impact of Parenthood on Career Progression in STEMM (October, 2020)
  
• A metric for workplace environment culture: How long do mothers nurse? (October, 2011)
  
• On Families and Conferences (September, 2011)
  
• A Journey though the “Milky Way”: Nursing past a year and astrophysics (June, 2011)
  
• Taking my own advice: Calling scientists who nursed past a year, please share! (April, 2011)

Resources:

• Mothers in Science
• Mothers in Astronomy e-book
• Policies and Practices for Supporting Family Caregivers Working in Science, Engineering, and Medicine