IYA2009 Cornerstone Project She is an Astronomer Dr Helen Walker STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Chair of international Task Group

Aims Promote gender equality and empower women Provide information (neutral, accessible) Build and maintain a website to allow people to read about the subject, ask questions and find answers Provide a forum where specific problems can be discussed

Royal Astronomical Society demographic trends surveys UK perspective Royal Astronomical Society demographic trends surveys % of women as 1992 1998 2003 Postgrads 5 22 35 Postdocs 9 17 16 Lecturer 6 7 Senior Lecturer/Reader 3 Professor 2

UK problems and solutions Two-body problem: one person getting a job in astronomy is difficult, two is almost impossible (follow-me fellowships) Career-break and permanent-post timing conflict (Daphne Jackson and returner fellowships) Unconscious discrimination (mandatory equal opportunities training to raise awareness before recruitment, promotion, awards panels) Professional women on all panels (extra administration support, since they are few in number)

Website The website will be launched in April, during the RAS NAM 2009 and EAS JENAM 2009. It will grow during the year and remain as a legacy after IYA2009 It will contain Profiles of living female astronomers Profiles of historic female astronomers Resources Events Ambassadors area Forum

Opportunities Take part! Attend the meetings Participate in and contribute to discussions Think about what would make a difference to your life and career From our profile questionnaire: What recommendation would you make to young women starting their career in astronomy?

Women and outer space 2030 workshop Dr Helen Walker STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory

Royal Astronomical Society demographic trends surveys UK perspective Royal Astronomical Society demographic trends surveys % of women as 1992 1998 2003 Postgrads 5 22 35 Postdocs 9 17 16 Lecturer 6 7 Senior Lecturer/Reader 3 Professor 2

UK challenges to the individual Most women seem to be invisible Personally raising profile and visibility Giving talks, organising meetings Taking extra responsibility Keeping a ‘brag sheet’ (and sharing it) Serving on committees Networking

UK challenges to employers Good practice benefits all workers Corporate awareness Supporting women in workforce Ensuring opportunities are equal Surveying the whole workforce when new opportunities arise Training

Space challenge Where are the women?