"It's astounding that in the 21st century The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow has so few women speakers." – Wendy Puriefoy
We are so proud to introduce you to Wendy Puriefoy. She is a powerful voice for public and higher education and knows a thing or two about the power of communities, so we were interested in her thoughts about The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow conference:
"It's astounding that in the 21st century Cities For Tomorrow has so few women speakers. It matters when women's voices and knowledge are not reflected on the most important issues facing the world."
In case you haven't heard yet, The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow conference isn't exactly balanced when it comes to its ratio between men and women speakers.
The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow conference claims to be about the need to create sustainable, livable cities, but it doesn't appear to value a diversity of voices when it creates a space for these very important and public conversations:
Only 5 of the 20 speakers listed are women.
When the male/female speaker ratio is so heavily skewed male – 75% of the listed speakers are men, to be specific – women's voices are effectively limited in these powerful conversations that will potentially change their lives and the lives of future generations.
A Call for The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow conference to make a move from the Hall of Shame to the Hall of Fame!
The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow conference has landed in our GenderAvenger Hall of Shame for its apparent lack of dedication to ensuring that women are always a part of the public dialog. Their inclusion in the Hall of Shame is our invitation to them to create change, and here's what we can all do to encourage them:
Spread the challenge and help us encourage The New York Times Cities For Tomorrow conference to embrace the value of women's voices is these important conversations by clicking the sharing above.
Thank you!