Women's forum examines gender issues

Nearly 130 people attended the second Ventura County Women's Forum at California State University Channel Islands earlier this month.

The forum discussed issues of gender equity in education and committed to action plans for improving opportunities for women and girls in Ventura County.

Keynote speaker Anna DiStefano, provost of Santa Barbara-based Fielding Graduate University, called for celebration of successes women have achieved since the passage of Title IX of the Educational Amendments in 1972, which requires gender equity in educational programs receiving federal funding.

She also challenged participants to examine and discuss the status of the 21st century women, particularly in the areas of sexual harassment, athletics, math, science, technology, promotion and pay, as well as between ethnic and economic groups.

"I was so glad to see sex education in the program," said Betty Villalta, student at CSUCI who works at a local middle school. "People don't seem to be talking about it these days, but girls really need it."

Those in attendance examined complicated social issues during the four workshop sessions. "We are all collective biographies of the women who have come before us and all of the people and experiences along the way," said Judith Green, a professor at UC Santa Barbara and one of the afternoon's speakers.

The Ventura County Women's Forum is a collaborative effort of the Ventura County Commission for Women, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and other organizations concerned about the welfare of local women.