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Gender Equity Summit

Harvard Hears You: The 2019 Summit for Gender Equity, co-sponsored by the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs and Harvard University Title IX Office, took place on April 2, 2019. 

The daytime portion of the Summit, open to all Harvard community members, included events at the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center. The day brought together experts in our community: students, faculty, and staff, as well as invited guests to present in a variety of formats including on-stage interviews, performances and panel presentations. Candid discussions about key issues in the current climate, including gender discrimination on university campuses, due process, and intersectional approaches to equity were encouraged. This Summit began a necessary dialogue, strengthened by lessons learned here and elsewhere, as Harvard strives to be a harassment-free community.  The evening featured a special guest panel at Memorial Church, and included an important discussion on gender equity and gender stereotyping across industries, popular culture, advertising, and consumerism.

Videos from the Summit

Opening Keynote: Jess Weiner

Jess Weiner is a cultural expert focusing on the intersection of business, social change and inclusivity.

Student Performance: Poet Najya Williams '20

Legal Perspectives in Gender Equity

What role does the legal system play in the lived experiences of those grappling with gender and sexual harassment in universities? How should we think about the various ways universities respond to the law? How can individuals be better informed about the options available to their community, as they respond to those responses? This panel explored these questions and more as experts from diverse perspectives discussed the law as it pertains to gender equity in the university.

Panelists:

  • Sandra Levitsky
  • Kendra Albert

Moderator:

  • D Dangaran

A Conversation on LGBTQ Inclusion

Whether in the microcosm of the university classroom, in the academy more broadly or beyond the walls of educational institutions, an intentional focus towards LGBTQ inclusion is necessary. This panel brought experts from across Harvard University together to discuss best practices and lessons learned throughout their years of experience.

Panelists:

  • Noelle Lopez
  • Sheehan Scarborough
  • Jessica Halem

Moderator:

  • Andrew An Westover

Organizational Approaches to Ending Gender Inequality

With expertise spanning a range of disciplines, this session drew from leaders in the field throughout Harvard University. This panel examined gender inequality from an organizational perspective and offered insight into ending discriminatory practices.

Panelists:

  • Naisha Bradley
  • Frank Dobbin
  • Iris Bohnet
  • Sharyn Potter

Moderator:

  • Alexis Stokes

How Data and Student Voices Drive Change

Garnering data from a community is merely the first step in driving effective change. How can institutions harness the power of student voices towards a more equitable community? With the Association of American Universities Survey release, this panel explored what happens after our community has spoken.

Panelists:

  • Kathleen L. McGinn
  • Nicole Merhill
  • Kacey Gill
  • John Wilson

Moderator:

  • Rachel DiBella

Gender, Power, and Culture: A Conversation with Laverne Cox, Nicolette Mason, Christian Siriano, & Jess Weiner

 

This evening event, set in Memorial Church and featuring a panel of renowned guests, involved a ground-breaking discussion on gender equity, breaking through the gender binary, and challenging gender stereotypes in popular culture, industry, and beyond. Laverne Cox, Nicolette Mason, Christian Siriano, and Jess Weiner joined this exciting panel.