American Association of University Women

Definition

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a national organization founded in 1881 that promotes education and equity for women and girls. It focuses on advocacy, education, and research to empower women through education, support their professional development, and combat gender discrimination in higher education and the workplace.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AAUW was established to advance women's roles in education at a time when higher education was largely inaccessible to them.
2. The organization has been a key player in advocating for policies that support gender equity in education and the workplace.
3. AAUW provides scholarships, fellowships, and grants to help women pursue higher education and career advancement.
4. The group conducts research on issues affecting women and girls, publishing reports that highlight disparities in pay, education, and leadership roles.
5. In addition to education, the AAUW also focuses on public policy initiatives that aim to eliminate gender-based barriers and promote equality.

Review Questions

• How did the founding of the American Association of University Women influence women's access to higher education?
  • The founding of the American Association of University Women significantly influenced women's access to higher education by creating a supportive network for women scholars. The AAUW provided resources, mentorship, and advocacy for women's rights to education during a time when many institutions barred female students. By promoting educational opportunities and scholarships specifically for women, the organization played a crucial role in breaking down barriers and encouraging more women to pursue degrees.
• Evaluate the impact of the AAUW's research initiatives on policies aimed at achieving gender equity in education.
  • The AAUW's research initiatives have had a substantial impact on policies aimed at achieving gender equity in education by providing data-driven insights into the challenges women face. Their reports have highlighted issues such as the gender pay gap and underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, prompting lawmakers and educational institutions to address these disparities. This evidence-based approach has informed legislative efforts, such as the Women's Educational Equity Act and Title IX regulations, leading to more equitable practices within educational systems.
• Assess how the goals and activities of the American Association of University Women align with broader historical movements for women's rights.
  • The goals and activities of the American Association of University Women align closely with broader historical movements for women's rights by emphasizing education as a fundamental means of empowerment. From its inception, the AAUW has advocated not only for women's access to higher education but also for their equal participation in all aspects of society. This mission complements other movements, such as suffrage and workplace equality, as it addresses systemic barriers that hinder women's progress. As a result, the AAUW has been instrumental in shaping policies and cultural attitudes that support women's rights throughout history.

Related terms

Suffrage Movement: A social and political campaign aimed at securing voting rights for women, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

Women's Educational Equity Act: A law enacted in 1974 aimed at promoting equal educational opportunities for women and girls in schools and colleges.

Title IX: A federal law passed in 1972 prohibiting discrimination based on sex in any federally funded education program or activity.