December 2023 Newsletter

The American Association of University Women at UH Mānoa (AAUW at UHM) is and will continue to be active for the 2023-24 academic school year.

The mission of our Registered Independent Organization (RIO) is to promote the values of AAUW on the UHM campus and in the community; we are working towards equity in society by providing the tools necessary for women to gain economic security, pursue their education, and advocate for women's rights.

AAUW at UHM's internship program, consisting of eight students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, is housed in the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, under the supervision of Director Atina Pascua, and sponsored by the AAUW Honolulu Branch.

To become a member, please email [email protected] expressing your interest. We will ask follow up questions at that time. In order to have an active-status in our RIO, we ask that you attend at least two events every semester. We have no membership fees. Our RIO is open to everyone!

It's Finals Season!

Cram Jam at Campus Center

Monday December 11th to Thursday December 14th

10:00 AM - 12 PM & 6:00 PM -10:00 PM 

Campus Center

Finals Week is approaching! The Campus Center Board Activities Council invited you to de-stress, relax, and cater towards your studying needs by hosting our signature Cram Jam Event! 

Fall Cram Jam will be held all week from Monday, December 11th to Thursday December 14th at Campus Center. We will have Dog Therapy from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Campus Center, and then evening activities from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Our FREE evening activities include Craft Room, Lo-Fi Room, Tutoring Room (presented by Learning Assistance Center), Massage Therapy, Game Room, Snacks and Drinks. Additionally, dinner is sponsored by your student government, ASUH! 

We are also giving away $5 off Starbucks Coupons everyday at the Activities Council Table during Cram Jam. 

List of Activities, Location & Time: 

Dog Therapy

• Time: 10AM to 12PM 
• Location: Campus Center Courtyard

Craft Room

• Time: 6PM to 10PM
• Location:Campus Center Ballroom

Game Room

• Time: 6PM to 10PM
• Location: Campus Center Food Court 203D

Massage therapy **

• Time: 6PM to 10PM 
• Location: Executive Dining Room 

Tutoring by LAC 

• Time: 6PM to 10PM 
• Location Campus Center Room: 307 and 308 

Lofi Room 

• Time: 6PM to 10PM 
• Location: Campus Center Rooms:  309 and 310 

Snacks 

• Time 6PM to 10PM (or until supplies last)
• Location: Activities Council Table (Outside the CC Ballroom)

Dinner 

• Time: 7PM to 8PM (or until supplies last)
• Location: Campus Center Ballroom 

Dinner Menu 

Monday: Dim Sum 

Tuesday: Breakfast Food 

Wednesday: Soup & Salad 

Thursday: Cereal Bar

Happy Birthday Patsy Mink

On December 6th, the first woman of color to be elected to congress was born, in Hawai’i! Born and raised in Maui, Patsy Matsu Takemoto eventually graduated from University of Hawai’i with majors in chemistry and zoology. She later attended University of Chicago Law School, graduating in 1951. While in school, she married her husband, changing her name to Patsy Mink. She shortly moved back to Hawai’i after having her child, Gwendolyn. After passing the bar, she began her own private practice, being the first Japanese-American woman to practice law in her home state of Hawai’i. In 1962, she earned a seat in the Hawai’i State Senate. In 1964, she won the second seat in the House of Representatives, making her the first Asian-American woman to serve in congress. She was an author of Title IX, continuously showed care for the people of Hawai’i, and fought for racial equity, affordable childcare, and bilingual education.

Her successes are celebrated everyday, yet it’s important to look at her struggles as well. Before attending UH, Mink attended other colleges on the mainland, but left due to racial discrimination. She was not accepted into any medical schools following her undergraduate studies. Mink set up her own private practice for law partially due to her inability to find a job because of her interracial marriage. Her first attempt into politics was unsuccessful, and she even ran for president, but received 2% of the vote. Despite her struggles, many created by society, Mink was a trailblazer for women, especially women of color. The former AAUW member served the country, the people, and the culture of many with her revolutionary work for many years. Hau’oli lā hānau!

Written by: Ryan Lashlee

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10th, serves as a significant reminder of the universal principles that support the equality of all individuals. At the heart of this commemoration is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10th, 1948. The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote international peace and security, as well as to prevent the recurrence of the events witnessed in World War II. In 1947, the Commision on Human Rights was founded. Eleanor Roosevelt, AAUW member and former First Lady of the United States, chaired the commission, which drafted the UDHR. This landmark document describes a comprehensive set of rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or any other distinction.

Human Rights Day provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by many women worldwide, from gender-based violence and unequal access to education and healthcare to discriminatory practices in the workplace. Title IX had its 50th birthday last year; this year the UDHR celebrates its 75th. Monumental birthdays for monumental documents: how much of their words are implemented in today's society?

Human Rights Day advocates individual needs and rights. In addition, it fosters a global conversation on gender equality as it emphasizes that respecting human rights is essential for just, inclusive societies. As Human Rights Day passes this year, it’s important to reflect on how this document is being honored.

Written by: Ryan Lashlee