October 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!

Join AAUW at UH Mānoa and the Office of Civic and Community Engagement in making Lei Kūpe'es

Tuesday, October 10th

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services (QLCSS) Room #412

The American Association of University Women at UH Mānoa (AAUW at UHM) and the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE) want to invite you to our lei kūpeʻe making event. Come join us and learn lei-making skills to make your very own masterpiece to take home!

Please scan the QR code or click here to RSVP.

We hope to see you there!

Come celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month with AAUW at UH Mānoa and the OCCE by making friendship bracelets and decorating signs!

Wednesday, October 18th

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services (QLCSS) Room #412

The American Association of University Women at UH Mānoa (AAUW at UHM) and the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE) want to invite you to our LGBTQIA+ History Month event. Bracelet making is the perfect way to unwind and get to know others based on our individuality and creativity.

UH Mānoa, my home campus, is much more connected to the history of pride in the United States than people realize. Ninia Baehr, of the Queen Lili’uokalani Center, was the co-director of the Women’s Center here at UHM. One day, Genora Dancel, Ninia’s girlfriend, did what many who fall in love do, she proposed. The pair, along with two other couples, arrived at the Hawai’i Department of Health to apply for marriage licenses. It was denied immediately, in 1991. Under the representation of John Foley, a civil rights lawyer, the couple sued.This court case was a large predecessor to the Supreme Court officially legalizing same sex marriage. 

They lost, and then appealed in 1993. Finally, a small victory. The Hawai’i Supreme Court found that to refuse a marriage license, the state must provide compelling state interest. It was sent back to lower court. Unfortunately, over the next decade many homophobic acts and amendments were passed. Congress passed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which allowed states to not recognize same-sex marriages. Basically, only heterosexual couples could get married. A couple of years later, an amendment to the state constitution of Hawai’i passed, which clearly banned same-sex marriage. Because of this, the victory achieved in 1993 was overturned, and the case was dismissed. In 1997, Baehr and Dancel separated. However, both ended up marrying their respective partners legally. In 2015, they celebrated when the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. Although the story is quite up and down, it has a happy ending.

Camaron Miyamoto, current director of UH Mānoa’s LGBTQ+ Center, stated “Ninia Baehr was the Director of the Womenʻs Center at UH Mānoa and the named plaintiff in the case Baehr v. Lewin which opened the doors for marriage equality when a judge ruled in our favor. Justice Levinson ruled that it would be sex discrimination if Hawaiʻi did not issue marriage certificates to people of the same gender,”. The main plaintiffs, Ninia Baehr and Genora Dancel, were inspirational in their perseverance and bravery. Their victory proved that the legalization of marriage equality could be possible, and it is celebrated every day. For more information on this story, click here.

Written by: Ryan Lashlee

Domestic Violence Resource Fair

Tuesday, October 17th

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

UH Mānoa Campus Center

Come visit AAUW at UH Mānoa at the Domestic Violence resource Fair. Throughout the month, communities and advocacy organizations nationwide unite to raise awareness about abuse signs, prevention, and support for survivors while connecting with each other and the public. They also share survivor stories and offer resources to leaders and policymakers.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is vital for shedding light on a critical issue, offering support to survivors, advocating for change, and fostering a culture that rejects domestic violence in all its forms. It plays a crucial role in creating safer, more supportive communities for everyone.



Join AAUW at UH Mānoa, the OCCE, SEED, and SPAM in learning about Anti-Bias Education

Saturday, November 4th

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Via Zoom

The American Association of University Women at UH Mānoa (AAUW at UHM), the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE), Student Equity Excellence Diversity (SEED), and Student Parents at Mānoa (SPAM) want you to become more educated on what it means to be anti-bias.

We will be watching "Reflecting on Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years," a 48 minute film that features vignettes of anti-bias strategies in early childhood classrooms interspersed with teachers reflecting on their practice. After, you will have the chance to chat with the anti-bias expert, John Nimmo!

A special book for your child will be gifted to those who sign up and attend this event!

Click here to register.

Latina's Equal Pay Day

On October 5th, we commemorate Latina Equal Pay Day, a date dedicated to acknowledging the economic challenges confronting Latinas in the United States. Latinas represent one of the nation's rapidly expanding and highly influential demographic groups, contributing significantly across various sectors. Nevertheless, despite their notable accomplishments, as of 2022, Latinas still grapple with a troubling wage gap, earning an average of just 52 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. This statistic encompasses all Latina workers, including those in part-time, seasonal, and migrant roles. When focusing on full-time, year-round employment, the wage gap widens to 57 cents for every dollar compared to their white, non-Hispanic male counterparts. This wage disparity highlights the persistent economic difficulties faced by Latinas.

Latinas are disproportionately employed in industries characterized by low wages and insufficient workplace protections. Workers in roles such as farmworkers, domestic workers, immigrants, migrants, seasonal employees, and part-timers often find themselves excluded from critical labor safeguards. Immigrant women, especially, are more susceptible to wage theft and sexual harassment due to their citizenship status. Until these women, who fulfill some of the most essential roles in our society, can achieve economic stability, our economy and communities will not reach their full potential. For more information click here.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Join us in celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 9th, a meaningful alternative to Columbus Day! This year, we honor the legacy of Edith Kanaka'ole, a prominent figure in Hawaiian culture. Affectionately known as "Aunty Edith," she dedicated her life to preserving Hawaiian traditions, highlighting the importance of protecting indigenous heritage.

Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed on October 9th, has gained momentum as an alternative to the traditional celebration of Christopher Columbus. Rather than commemorating the Italian navigator who ushered in a dark era of genocide and colonization that profoundly affected indigenous communities that had been in the Americas for thousands of years, this day has gained traction in more than 130 cities across the United States. This holiday is a show of support for indigenous groups and other activists who have long called for recognition and a shift away from honoring Columbus. Notably, cities like Denver and Seattle have seen persistent demonstrations advocating for the replacement of Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. The Navajo Nation, the largest tribal nation in the United States, with around 400,000 members, has been a strong advocate for this change. To learn more click here.

Edith Kanaka'ole, also referred to as "Aunty Edith, was an indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, kumu hula (hula teacher), and was devoted to preserving her native culture such as the history, customs, and traditions that faced the risk of vanishing during her era. Aunty Edith was a renowned expert on Hawaiian language, contributing significantly to the revitalization of this vital aspect of her people's heritage. Her efforts extended to education, as she played a pivotal role in developing the first Hawaiian language program for public school students in Hilo. In recognition of her outstanding lifetime contributions to Hawaiʻi’s culture, arts, and humanities, she was given the Distinction of Cultural Leadership award in 1979 and was honored with the Edith Kanaka'ole Quarter, part of the American Women Quarters™ Program. This acknowledgment not only celebrates Aunty Edith's legacy but also emphasizes the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples' Day in recognizing and honoring the priceless contributions of indigenous figures to our collective cultural heritage. To learn more click here.

Written By: Shayni Mirafuentes

Healthcare as a college student is nearly impossible to navigate. First time scheduling your appointments for many, or filling out all those family history forms can be very scary. Recently, I got my wisdom teeth taken out, and paying for your own dental care is a struggle I really did not anticipate when I thought of adulthood. Breast cancer is a bit of an uncomfortable and scary topic, but it is just as important. Here’s a quick guide in prevention of Breast Cancer.

1. General tips from the doctor are applicable. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising 30 min a day (I know we get our steps in at UHM), no smoking, no excess drinking, etc.
2. It’s crucial you do not skip your annual check-ups and screenings. At these appointments, you can also discuss your family history. It’s important to be honest, so practice having open conversations with your family.
3. Some STI’s are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer; practice safe sex. There are many resources to get the necessary tools we need. The LGBTQ+ Center and Women Center often have various free sexual health items in their office (Queen Lili’uokalani Center #211). In addition, an annual condom fair is held at UHM, but currently the date is TBD. My last rec is stopping by Student Health Services on campus.
4. Stress management. Meditation, daily walks, or painting are all effective ways of de-stressing. 
5. Regular Breast Self-Exams.No one knows your body as well as you. It’s pertinent you familiarize yourself with your breasts to detect any changes as soon as possible. You can learn how to do this here, or talk to your doctor.

Practicing good health in our busy lives not only reduces the risk of breast cancer but also sets the foundation for a healthier future. As we learn to live on our own, deal with heavy course loads, and foster many new friendships, we can take proactive steps towards breast cancer prevention by incorporating just a few good habits.

Written by: Ryan Lashlee

Next AAUW at UH Mānoa Open Meeting

Wednesday, October 11th

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Queen Lili'uokalani Center for Student Services (QLCSS) Room #208

Our next open meeting will be on Wednesday, October 11th from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the QLCSS Room #208. Current RIO members and anyone interested in joining are welcome! We will provide light refreshments. 

This will be an excellent opportunity to engage with fellow RIO members, hear about our intern team's current affairs, and let us know about what programming you would like to see us put on. 

We hope to see you there!

The Maui Strong event with Student Parents at Mānoa and UHMCC on Saturday, Sept 16th was a success! About 60 backpacks full of school supplies were sent to our keiki on Maui. We'd like to give a big thank you from AAUW at UH Mānoa to AAUW Honolulu for all their help to make the event a success.We are so grateful for how the community pulled together after the tragedies Maui faced.

We will be at campus center almost every week!

Stop by our table at the UHM campus center (by Starbucks) to meet some of our interns and hear about our team's current affairs, and let us know about what programming you would like to see us put on. To make it easy, here is a calendar to keep track of all the times we're on campus.

October 4th - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

October 9th - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

October 20th - 10:00 am - 11:00 am

October 26th - 9:30 am - 10:30 am