How do you feel about the historical debate surrounding menstruation and its perceived impact on women’s abilities?
- I find it frustrating that such biases existed and continue to persist in various forms.
- It’s fascinating to see how scientific understanding evolves over time.
- It makes me appreciate the researchers who challenged the status quo and fought for accurate knowledge.
- It’s a reminder that we must always question assumptions and seek evidence-based information.
What’s your favorite aspect of Hollingworth’s research methodology?
- The use of a control group, allowing for a direct comparison between men and women.
- Her meticulous data collection, involving thousands of precise observations.
- The variety of tests employed, covering both mental and motor skills.
- Her dedication to objectivity, striving to eliminate bias in her research.
What makes you nervous about the potential for bias to influence scientific research, even today?
- The possibility that important discoveries are being delayed or dismissed due to unconscious bias.
- The potential for harm when biased research is used to justify discrimination.
- The erosion of trust in scientific institutions when bias is uncovered.
What makes you most frustrated about the persistence of misinformation and stereotypes related to menstruation?
- The perpetuation of harmful stereotypes that limit women’s opportunities.
- The dismissal of women’s experiences and perspectives.
- The lack of adequate education and open dialogue surrounding menstruation.
What are you most excited about in terms of the future of research on women’s health and experiences?
- The development of more inclusive research methodologies that better reflect the diversity of women’s experiences.
- The increasing awareness of the need to address historical biases in research.
- The potential for new discoveries that can improve women’s lives.
What do you dream about when it comes to achieving gender equity in science and beyond?
- A world where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from scientific advancements.
- A society free from gender stereotypes and discrimination, where everyone is valued for their unique abilities.
What comes to mind when you hear the term “functional periodicity”?
- A scientific term for menstruation.
- A concept that has been historically misunderstood and misused.
- An important area of study for understanding women’s health and experiences.
What’s your favorite example of a scientific study that challenged prevailing assumptions?
- The work of Galileo Galilei, who challenged the geocentric model of the universe.
- The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, which revolutionized medicine.
- The research of Jane Goodall, whose work transformed our understanding of primates.
- The Human Genome Project, which challenged our understanding of race and genetics.
When you were a kid, how did you learn about menstruation?
- From my parents or guardians.
- From school health classes.
- From friends or peers.
- From books or the internet.
You have a choice of reading a fictional story about a woman scientist making a groundbreaking discovery or a biography of Leta Stetter Hollingworth – which do you choose?
- The fictional story because I enjoy getting lost in a good narrative.
- The biography of Leta Stetter Hollingworth because I’m interested in learning more about her life and work.
A specific situation arises where someone makes a dismissive comment about menstruation impacting women’s capabilities – how do you react?
- I politely challenge their statement and provide evidence to the contrary.
- I ignore the comment and move on.
- I feel frustrated but don’t say anything.
- I share my personal experiences to demonstrate the inaccuracy of their claim.
What keeps you up at night about the current state of gender equality in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)?
- The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields.
- The persistent gender pay gap in STEM professions.
- The biases women in STEM face in terms of funding, publishing, and recognition.
- The lack of role models and mentors for young girls interested in STEM.
Which of these topics related to Hollingworth’s work would you enjoy learning the most about – early 20th century perspectives on women’s capabilities, the design of psychological experiments, or the history of women in science?
- Early 20th-century perspectives on women’s capabilities because it’s fascinating to see how societal views have evolved (or not evolved).
- The design of psychological experiments because I’m interested in the scientific method.
- The history of women in science because it’s important to recognize the contributions of women in STEM fields.
When you think about the challenges women in science faced in the early 20th century, what are you most concerned about?
- The lack of access to education and professional opportunities.
- Societal expectations that limited women’s roles to the domestic sphere.
- The skepticism and discrimination they faced from their male counterparts.
- The pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.
What aspect of Hollingworth’s findings makes you the most happy?
- The debunking of harmful stereotypes about women.
- The contribution to a more accurate understanding of women’s health.
- The impact on future generations of women in STEM.
What is most likely to make you feel down about the progress (or lack thereof) in achieving gender equality?
- The realization that many of the challenges faced by women in Hollingworth’s time are still present today.
- The persistence of gender stereotypes and discrimination in various forms.
- The slow pace of change in some areas.
- The lack of awareness and understanding of gender inequality issues.
In a perfect world, what would research on women’s health and experiences look like?
- Adequately funded and prioritized.
- Inclusive of diverse populations and perspectives.
- Free from gender bias and stereotypes.
- Focused on improving women’s lives.
If you could wave a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome of Hollingworth’s research be?
- The complete eradication of gender stereotypes related to menstruation.
- Equal opportunities for women and girls in all areas of society.
- A world where women’s health and experiences are fully understood and respected.
You are at a party and someone is talking about how “emotional” women are, citing menstruation as the reason, what do you do?
- I politely challenge their statement and explain that emotions are complex and not solely determined by hormones.
- I change the subject to something less controversial.
- I find someone else to talk to.
- I get into a debate with them, armed with facts and figures.
How comfortable are you discussing menstruation openly with others?
- Very comfortable. It’s a natural biological process.
- Somewhat comfortable. It depends on the person and the context.
- Not very comfortable. It’s a private matter.
- Not comfortable at all. It’s taboo.
You have an hour to do whatever you want. Do you choose to read Hollingworth’s full research study, watch a documentary about women in STEM, or do something else entirely?
- Read Hollingworth’s full research study because I’m eager to delve deeper into her findings.
- Watch a documentary about women in STEM to learn about the journeys of inspiring women.
- Do something else entirely because I need a break from serious topics.
Which of these issues is most likely to be a struggle for you: unconscious bias, lack of representation of women in positions of power, or the persistence of traditional gender roles?
- Unconscious bias because it can be difficult to recognize and address.
- Lack of representation of women in positions of power because it limits opportunities for change.
- The persistence of traditional gender roles because they can feel limiting.
Which member of the scientific community are you most drawn to – Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, Jane Goodall, or Rachel Carson?
- Marie Curie because her groundbreaking work on radioactivity paved the way for modern physics and medicine.
- Rosalind Franklin because her contributions to the discovery of the structure of DNA were crucial yet often overlooked.
- Jane Goodall because her revolutionary research on chimpanzees transformed our understanding of primate behavior.
- Rachel Carson because her groundbreaking book, Silent Spring, sparked the modern environmental movement.
New information related to the historical treatment of women in scientific communities comes up. What is your first response?
- I’m eager to learn more.
- I’m not surprised, but it’s still disheartening.
- I’m angry that such injustices occurred.
- I’m inspired to continue fighting for equality.
Someone asks, “What are your thoughts on periods?” What’s the actual answer, not just, “They’re fine?”
- I think it’s a fascinating biological process that has been unfairly stigmatized throughout history.
- They can be a bit of a pain, but they’re a natural part of life for many women.
- I’m glad that we’re becoming more open about discussing menstruation and challenging the taboos surrounding it.
What’s your go-to source for information on women’s health and social issues?
- Books by feminist scholars and activists.
- Podcasts hosted by experts in the field.
- Documentaries that shed light on important issues.
- Academic journals and research articles.
- Reputable online publications and websites.
What topic related to women’s experiences in society do you most want to explore further?
- The intersection of gender with other social identities like race, class, and sexual orientation.
- The representation of women in media and popular culture.
- The history of the feminist movement and its ongoing fight for equality.
- The impact of gender stereotypes on mental health.
What’s your favorite memory related to learning something new that challenged your existing beliefs?
- A thought-provoking class discussion that opened my eyes to a different perspective.
- Reading a book that completely changed my understanding of a particular issue.
- Having a conversation with someone with lived experience that challenged my assumptions.
What causes related to gender equality are you most passionate about?
- Closing the gender pay gap.
- Increasing representation of women in leadership positions.
- Ensuring access to quality education and healthcare for girls and women worldwide.
- Ending violence against women and girls.
What is your absolute favorite book, movie, or song that centers on women challenging societal expectations?
- Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, which tells the story of the Black women mathematicians who were instrumental to the success of NASA’s early space missions.
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker, which explores the lives of Black women in the American South during the early 20th century.
- I Am Woman by Helen Reddy, an empowering anthem for women’s rights.
How would your friends and family describe your views on gender equality?
- Passionate.
- Informed.
- Outspoken.
- Thoughtful.
- A work in progress.
Tell us a little about your approach to learning about complex social issues.
- I seek out diverse perspectives and strive to listen with an open mind.
- I try to stay informed about current events and engage in meaningful conversations about the issues.
- I’m always learning and unlearning, and I’m open to having my views challenged.
If you could choose any superpower to help advance gender equality, which one would you choose and why?
- The ability to change hearts and minds, to help people see the world from another’s perspective.
- The power to teleport, allowing me to connect with individuals and communities around the world fighting for gender justice.
- Superhuman intelligence, enabling me to develop innovative solutions to complex social problems.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear about a new study on a gender-related topic?
- I hope it’s well-researched and takes into account the diversity of women’s experiences.
- I wonder if it will confirm or challenge my existing beliefs.
- I’m curious to learn more.
What affects you most – personal stories, statistics and data, historical accounts, or something else – when learning about gender inequality?
- Personal stories because they humanize the issue and make it feel more real.
- Statistics and data because they provide evidence to support the existence of the problem.
- Historical accounts because they provide context and show how far we’ve come (or haven’t come).
What’s your idea of a truly equitable society?
- One where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities, rights, and freedoms.
- A society where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued for who they are.
What is your strongest quality when it comes to advocating for social justice issues?
- My empathy and ability to connect with people on a human level.
- My willingness to listen to and learn from others.
- My passion for making a difference.
How prepared are you to challenge gender stereotypes and biases when you encounter them in your daily life?
- I’m always ready to speak up and challenge harmful stereotypes.
- I’m prepared to challenge biases when it feels safe and appropriate to do so.
- I’m still working on finding my voice and feeling comfortable speaking out.
- I tend to avoid confrontation, even when I disagree with what’s being said.
What happens if you witness someone making a sexist joke or comment?
- I call them out on it and explain why their words are harmful.
- I try to subtly challenge their views by asking questions or offering a different perspective.
- I feel uncomfortable but don’t say anything.
- I laugh along with them because I don’t want to make a scene.
What do you think you need to learn more about in order to become a more effective advocate for gender equality?
- The history of the feminist movement and the different waves of feminism.
- The ways in which gender intersects with other social identities like race, class, sexual orientation, and ability.
- Effective strategies for challenging gender stereotypes and promoting equality.
- How to have difficult conversations about gender and respectfully engage with differing viewpoints.
How often do you actively seek out information about gender equality issues?
- Daily.
- Weekly.
- Monthly.
- Rarely.
- Never.
How confident are you in your ability to identify and challenge your own unconscious biases?
- Very confident. I’m aware of my biases and actively work to unlearn them.
- Somewhat confident. I know I have biases, but it can be difficult to recognize them in the moment.
- Not very confident. I’m not sure how to identify my own unconscious biases.
- Not confident at all. I don’t believe I have any unconscious biases.
How do you handle disagreements with others who hold different views on gender roles and expectations?
- I try to engage in respectful dialogue and find common ground.
- I listen to their perspective, but I also stand firm in my own beliefs.
- I avoid these types of conversations altogether because they tend to be unproductive.
- I get defensive and argumentative.
Do you have open and honest conversations about menstruation with the people in your life – friends, family, partners?
- Yes, I believe it’s important to talk about menstruation openly and normalize it.
- I talk about it with some people in my life, but not others.
- I rarely discuss menstruation, even with close friends and family.
- No, I consider it a taboo topic.
How well do you stick to your convictions about gender equality, even when faced with opposition or social pressure to conform?
- I always stand up for my beliefs, even when it’s difficult.
- I try to be true to myself, but it can be hard to resist social pressure.
- I often find myself conforming to avoid conflict or judgment.
- I tend to go along with the crowd.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your understanding of intersectionality?
- I have a strong understanding of intersectionality and how different forms of oppression intersect and overlap.
- I’m aware of the concept of intersectionality, but I’m still learning more about it.
- I’ve heard the term before, but I’m not sure what it means.
- I don’t believe in intersectionality. I think we should focus on gender equality alone.
To what degree do you experience imposter syndrome or self-doubt in your ability to make a difference on issues related to gender equality?
- Frequently.
- Occasionally.
- Rarely.
- Never.
Which of these best describes your current level of engagement with the feminist movement: Active participant, Supporter from the sidelines, Just starting to learn, or Not interested?
- Active participant. I’m involved in organizations or initiatives that promote gender equality.
- Supporter from the sidelines. I stay informed about feminist issues and support feminist causes, but I’m not actively involved in the movement.
- Just starting to learn. I’m beginning to educate myself about feminism and gender equality.
- Not interested.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to promoting gender equality in your own sphere of influence?
- Overcoming my own internalized sexism and biases.
- Dealing with pushback or resistance from others.
- Feeling like I don’t have enough time or resources to dedicate to activism.
- Not knowing where to start or how to make a meaningful impact.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a gender stereotype in the media?
- I analyze it and try to understand the message it’s sending.
- I feel frustrated that these stereotypes are still so prevalent.
- I try to find ways to challenge the stereotype and promote a more accurate representation.
How do you handle situations where you feel like your voice or perspective as a woman is being dismissed or ignored?
- I assertively speak up and make sure I’m heard.
- I try to find allies who can amplify my voice.
- I feel frustrated and discouraged, but I don’t say anything.
- I withdraw from the conversation altogether.
How would you describe your relationship to the concept of feminism?
- I identify as a feminist and am proud to advocate for gender equality.
- I support the goals of feminism, but I don’t necessarily identify with the label.
- I’m still trying to figure out where I stand on feminism.
- I don’t identify as a feminist.
Are you stuck in any thought patterns or behaviors that might be perpetuating gender stereotypes, even unintentionally?
- I’m always working to challenge my own biases and unlearn harmful behaviors.
- I’m aware that I may unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes at times.
- I don’t think I’m contributing to the problem.
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to being your own best advocate?
- Overcoming self-doubt and believing in my own abilities.
- Setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing my own needs.
- Speaking up for myself and asking for what I deserve.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to promoting gender equality?
- To contribute to a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and freedoms.
- To create a more just and equitable society for future generations.
- To live a life that is true to my values and makes a positive impact.
What do you think is missing in your life or community that would help facilitate more open and productive conversations about gender?
- Safe spaces for dialogue where people can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment.
- Educational resources that provide accurate information about gender and challenge common misconceptions.
- More role models and mentors who can inspire and guide others.
What is your current level of expertise when it comes to understanding the history of women’s rights and the feminist movement?
- I have a deep understanding of the history of the feminist movement and the struggles and triumphs of those who came before me.
- I know the basics, but I’m always eager to learn more.
- I’m just starting to explore this area of history.
A scenario arises where you have the opportunity to mentor a young woman who is interested in pursuing a career in a male-dominated field. How do you respond?
- I enthusiastically offer my support and share my experiences, advice, and resources.
- I hesitate at first, worried that I might not be the best person for the job, but ultimately agree to help.
- I politely decline, unsure if I have the time or expertise to be an effective mentor.
What emotion – hope, frustration, anger, determination, or something else – do you experience most when you think about the current state of gender equality?
- Hope, because I see progress being made every day.
- Frustration, because the pace of change can feel incredibly slow.
- Anger, because gender inequality is a deeply ingrained systemic issue.
- Determination, because I’m committed to fighting for a better future.
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis: subtle forms of sexism, overt discrimination, the lack of representation of women in leadership positions, or the impact of gender stereotypes on future generations?
- Subtle forms of sexism that often go unnoticed or unchallenged.
- Overt discrimination that can have a significant impact on individuals and communities.
- The lack of representation of women in positions of power, which limits opportunities for change.
- The impact of gender stereotypes on future generations, perpetuating harmful norms.
How present and engaged do you feel in your efforts to promote gender equality?
- I am fully present and deeply engaged in the fight for gender justice.
- I’m trying my best to stay informed and engaged, but it can be challenging.
- I feel disconnected and unsure of how to make a meaningful impact.
How well do you balance your passion for social justice with self-care and preventing burnout?
- I have a healthy balance between activism and self-care.
- I tend to prioritize activism over my own well-being, which can lead to burnout.
- I struggle to find the time and energy for self-care.
How connected do you feel to other women and the broader feminist movement?
- I feel a strong sense of connection and solidarity with other women and the feminist movement as a whole.
- I feel connected to some women and feminist groups, but not others.
- I feel disconnected from the feminist movement and struggle to find my place within it.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you: The slow pace of progress, The backlash against feminist ideals, The apathy of others, or Your own internalized sexism?
- The slow pace of progress, which can make it feel like we’re fighting an uphill battle.
- The backlash against feminist ideals, particularly when it comes from people who claim to believe in equality.
- The apathy of others who don’t see gender inequality as a significant issue.
- My own internalized sexism, which can manifest in ways I don’t even realize.
What is the trickiest part about having conversations about gender with people who don’t share your views?
- Staying calm and respectful, even when I encounter resistance or hostility.
- Finding the right words to articulate my thoughts and feelings effectively.
- Knowing when to engage in dialogue and when to walk away.
Do you find yourself more inclined to focus on individual acts of empowerment or systemic change when it comes to advancing gender equality?
- I believe that individual empowerment and systemic change go hand-in-hand.
- I tend to focus on individual acts of empowerment because they feel more tangible and achievable.
- I’m more interested in systemic change because it addresses the root causes of gender inequality.
Do you have a strong support system in place, such as close friends, family members, mentors, or colleagues, who share your values and support your efforts to promote gender equality?
- Yes, I have a strong support system that I can rely on for encouragement and guidance.
- I have a few people in my life who support my activism.
- I feel alone in my beliefs and don’t have anyone to talk to about these issues.
How do you determine your personal goals for contributing to a more gender-equal world each year?
- I reflect on my values, strengths, and areas where I can make the most impact.
- I set realistic goals that align with my available time and resources.
- I choose one or two specific issues to focus on each year.
Are your efforts to promote gender equality consistently leading to positive changes in your personal or professional life?
- Yes, I’m seeing positive changes in my relationships, workplace, and community.
- I’m starting to see some small but significant shifts.
- I’m not sure yet. It’s still early days.
How do you manage the emotional labor that often comes with being an advocate for social justice?
- I prioritize self-care and have healthy coping mechanisms in place.
- It can be challenging, and I sometimes struggle to manage the emotional toll.
- I often feel overwhelmed and burnt out.