PROACTIVE STRATEGIES FOR GENDER EQUITY AT THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA

Women, and women of color in particular, continue to be underrepresented in the geosciences workplace. Consequently, appropriate role models and networks are often absent and the potential for developing the ‘gender-diversity dividend’ in science remains untapped. Until resolved, implicit and explicit biases and systemic injustices and challenges will continue to persist.

GSA’s commitment to the promotion of women and others traditionally underrepresented in the geosciences takes a multi-faceted approach to assure inclusivity and to remove existing barriers to their career progression. The Society’s efforts span the spectrum from programs and events for students and early career members to a strong commitment to gender and diversity equity in leadership roles. The Society sponsors several professional mentoring and networking opportunities at the Annual and Section meetings, such as the Shlemon and Mann workshops and roundtables and GeoCareers Day. The Women in Geology panel discussion and Early Career Professional activities provide networking venues and access to appropriate role models. ‘On to the Future’ provides student financial support to participate in the Annual Meeting and to engage in network-building activities within the scientific and professional community. The Society’s commitment to building and promoting a diverse geoscience community further includes several position statements including the recently codified statement on ‘removing barriers to career progression for women in the geosciences’ (https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/Science_Policy/Position_Statements).

Over 2017-2018, GSA’s leadership worked with an ad hoc Ethics Committee to evaluate our Code of Conduct to assure that it clearly articulates the expected highest standards of professional conduct and that it provides a due process by which to investigate and act on breaches of the Code. The recent hire of a Compliance Officer reflects GSA’s commitment to effecting a positive change in the geosciences professional culture and to eliminating harassment, bullying, and sexual misconduct in Society-sponsored programs, activities, and events. Notably, the Compliance Officer will take pro-active measures training students, young professionals, staff, and members to recognize and address issues before they become a problem.