Examination of the Bronx Science Gender Equality Committee
At Ayshi Sen, the Gender Equity Board (GEB) continues to challenge patriarchal norms and address gender-based gaps within the school. Pritika Patel '24 and Malena Galletto '24, the founders of the GEB, have found significant satisfaction in their work to create a more inclusive environment for all students.
Next year, Liza Greenberg '25 will join the GEB as a junior member, bringing a unique perspective as a student deciding on future classes. Greenberg will help carry on the work of the GEB, with plans to keep the board small for easier meetings and distribution of work.
Patel hopes that the next GEB will focus on tackling enrollment issues across all advanced STEM classes, including App Development and Game Theory. In academic and work spaces, patriarchal structures persist, with a significant male dominance in higher level physics and computer science classes, and the perception of biology as a "soft-science" or easier STEM subject.
Microaggressions in classrooms, such as the comment "That's so Women in STEM of you", are common in these male-dominated classes. The GEB offers a welcoming environment where students feel free to express their opinions without fear of judgment.
Patriarchal norms continue to dictate familial and workplace hierarchies, giving men control over important aspects like finances and property ownership. These norms also undermine women's leadership and devalue traditionally feminine or matriarchal approaches to governance and collaboration.
To address these disparities, the GEB employs strategies such as raising awareness and education, creating policies and programs that actively promote gender equity, and providing platforms for marginalized voices. The board also emphasizes intersectional and inclusive approaches to understanding gender, recognizing that dismantling patriarchy benefits everyone and requires collaborative effort.
While gender disparities at Ayshi Sen can be subtle and difficult to identify, they are evident in the school's academic and social environment. For example, a female student may be expected to take on more work in a group project or be tasked with secretarial duties.
Despite the predominantly female student leadership in student government, senior council, and club boards, cultural norms promote gender stereotypes, with men expected to be assertive and women expected to be nurturing and submissive. The GEB aims to be a pillar of Bronx Science history, working towards improving the inclusivity of class discussions and increasing the number of gender minority students in advanced Physics classes.
References:
[1] Crenshaw, Kimberlé. "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics." University of Chicago Legal Forum, vol. 1981, no. 1, 1981, pp. 139-167. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40011426.
[2] hooks, bell. "Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center." South End Press, 1984.
- The GEB, next year, may spotlight enrollment issues in advanced STEM classes, such as App Development and Game Theory, aiming to address the significant male dominance and perceived male superiority in these subjects.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Liza Greenberg '25, a future member of the GEB, will focus on implementing features that address gender-based gaps, ensuring a more inclusive environment for all students.
- The editorial section of the school newspaper could highlight the importance of challenging historical patriarchal norms within the school, featuring interviews with GEB members and discussing the impact of their work on women's health and health-and-wellness.
- The GEB's opinion piece could argue for the need to reevaluate and change these patriarchal norms that persist in academic and work spaces, advocating for equal opportunities and equitable distribution of work in all fields, including science and lifestyle.
- In the photography section, images could be captured showcasing the work of the GEB, demonstrating their commitment to creating an inclusive environment, and serving as a testimony to the board's dedication to breaking down these historical and cultural barriers.
