Many scientists know about — and experience — discrimination against women. In this professional development lesson, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and other career scientists brainstorm ways to intervene and support women when they experience discrimination. Participants divide into groups, and each group discusses one of four case studies that highlight different kinds of discrimination, namely microaggressions that are gendered and intersectional, trolling, and sexual harassment. Within the small groups, individuals discuss the case study and then brainstorm ways to bring the discrimination to the perpetrator's attention and ways to dismantle sexism within each individual's environment. Then, the whole group reconvenes to discuss each case study in a way that emphasizes empowerment. Dismantling sexism seems overwhelming, but by the end of the workshop each participant can leave thinking about actions to take appropriate to their identities and career stages. Future workshops are necessary to address gender discrimination more broadly — especially as it pertains to particularly marginalized identities such as transwomen of color — and for developing deeper action plans.

Primary image: This image represents women in science — we are here, but we often feel trapped.