FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2008

Contact:

AAUW in D.C.–Lisa Goodnight, 202-785-7738, goodnightl@aauw.org

AAUW in Wisconsin–Marian Seagren Hall, 715-842-7464, marabill1@msn.com

AAUW Gains Special Consultative Status with U.N. Council

WASHINGTON - AAUW has gained special consultative status at the United Nations with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which initiates reports, makes recommendations, and promotes respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

For many years, AAUW has had a U.N. representative attending select meetings and monitoring issues affecting women and girls. The new designation allows AAUW to participate in international conferences, sign on to NGO statements, and share AAUW’s expertise.

“We closely follow a variety of international issues ranging from girls’ education to women’s economic security to human rights to women in peacekeeping,” said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE. “This new status will strengthen AAUW’s presence globally and provide us with greater opportunities to engage in U.N.-related activities and initiatives that break through barriers for women and girls.”

AAUW has a proud history in global affairs that includes awarding more than 2,200 international fellowships to women from more than 130 countries and partnering with leading international humanitarian organizations on initiatives to empower women.

Next year, AAUW will actively advocate for women at the 53rd session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, which will focus on the equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS.

“AAUW can now advocate more effectively and support policies aimed at strengthening gender equality, especially in the areas of the economic, social, political, and reproductive health rights of women and girls,” said Carolyn Donovan, AAUW’s U.N. representative.

Currently, AAUW is encouraging its branches to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10 and to continue supporting ratification of the women’s rights treaty-the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

“AAUW members have long supported our efforts, from hosting international visitors to initiating forums and symposia on global issues pertinent to women and girls,” said Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW’s director of fellowships, grants, and international programs. “We are thrilled that our role is expanding.”

###

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research. Since 1881, AAUW has been one of the nation’s leading voices promoting education and equity for women and girls. It has a nationwide network of nearly 100,000 members, 1,300 branches, and 500 college/university institutional partners. Since its founding 127 years ago, AAUW has examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day-educational, social, economic, and political. AAUW’s commitment to educational equity is reflected in its public policy advocacy, community programs, leadership development, conventions and conferences, national partnerships, and international connections.

AAUW
Breaking through Barriers

Congressional Voting Records 110th Congress, 2007.

Convention Delegates and Watch Parties

Susan is in a situation that is probably far too common. It does seem that our tax system favors those who do not save for their future. Contacting Tammy Baldwin’s office was an excellent place to start. She shouldn’t be discouraged, but continue making contacts.

As far as AAUW getting involved with this issue, I will forward her situation to the AAUW Public Policy staff requesting their options for them, AAUW-WI, and Susan.

Marian

Susan T. sent a message using the contact form at
http://aauw-wi.org/contact.

After some reflection on recent national news about the federal student loan program, and considering my own continuing challenges as a women in academia, I can’t help but wonder if there are more junior faculty, specifically women, with similar issues:

A comparison with folks from more affluent backgrounds illustrates the continuing challenges: Many families are able to invest earning in college savings accounts from the time children are born. In many cases those earnings are deducted pre-tax, and they generate interest until they are withdrawn. Then, in many cases, when the child goes to college, the annual educational expenses are tax deductible. Thus, a triple benefit.

In contrast, a student who is paying off student loans is paying the cost of education, and the interest on that debt, in monthly payments after the fact, but that student is not allowed to deduct the cost of education
(principle)  and, if they make over a certain amount (as in my case) is not allowed to deduct the interest. Paying income tax on earnings to pay for education, not allowed to deduct the cost of education, and not allowed to deduct the interest on debt. A triple cost, relative to the affluent.

To attain a Ph.D. and credentials that qualify for a tenure track position at the UW or other Research One Institution takes a lot of time and a lot of money. While the pay is somewhat competitive, after paying almost $500 a month in interest alone on my student loans, on top of the high cost of housing in Madison, I have very little to contribute to the cost of college education for my three kids, who are now too old to be claimed as dependents, and are now generating debt to their student loans. When I went back to school as a single mother, my hopes were to break the cycle of generational poverty I was born into. Those hopes are being stymied by this, in my opinion, flawed tax law.

I contacted Representative Baldwin’s office to inform them of this. While the staffer I spoke to seemed truly sympathetic, she had doubts that anything could be done. Because attracting and retaining faculty from diverse backgrounds, including working class/poor women, is important to diversity issues on campuses across the country, I’m wondering if the AAUW would be willing to convene a committee to explore ways to address this concern? Your advice will be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Susan

Welcome to the new Blog for AAUW Wisconsin. My name is Rachel Hirsch, I’m serving as our state’s webminder. For the coming year I hope to help implement programs that will be informative and useful to AAUW members and readers of our website. Suggestions? My email address appears at the bottom of every page, it’d be great to hear from you.

All the best,
Rachel