Gender Equity; What To Do & Say When You Don't Know What To Do OR Say

The number of female meteorologists continues to rise in the field of broadcast and operational meteorology, however the distribution of males to females within the industry and especially within leadership roles remains quite unbalanced; less than 10% are female Chief Broadcast Meteorologists and less than 5% of National Weather Service female meteorologists are in management positions. With such a disparity in gender in leadership positions, many long time consumers and partners in the weather industry have become accustomed in working with a mostly male dominated field. As the presence of female broadcast meteorologists increase the need to push back on gender bias and stereotypes of old increases as well.

While the overt sexism and gender bias that was common place decades ago has gotten better, there are clearly still widespread issues of gender equity in all areas of the science - some obvious, and some that are simmering under the surface. The ability and responsibility to move the gender equity needle forward falls on us all. While most people want to move the needle forward when it comes to equity, either for themselves, or for their colleagues often we get stuck on the 'how'. How to create a climate (pun intended) that embraces equality. How to know what to do and what to say when it affects them directly, or when it marginalizes a peer. We've all found ourselves in the awkwardness of not knowing what to do or say in these situations. This presentation will address these scenarios and provide tips and guidance on how to achieve a professional level of respect while not necessarily receiving viewer/social support. In addition, we will address how to handle potential hostile environments, maintain a professional setting at all times, and discuss different scenarios on topics such as harassment, stereotypes, and the “Good Ole Boy” network.