Today and every #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience, women belong in science. Even on days when you feel small, or get rejected, or can't work the code: you belong. 1/

I spent *most* of today metaphorically banging my head on the table because I couldn't figure out some code. Turns out I already had the answer! The relief I felt when I solved my problem reminded me of all the girls who are told they aren't good at STEM. 2/

But, for all the times I was made to believe I was bad at math, or didn't belong in a room with 'the boys', or couldn't be in charge of a field project, there are countless more women who face far worse because of racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia. 3/

The barriers women face include pay gaps, hold fewer leadership positions, reduced grant success, sexual harassment, and constant disregard (to name a few). But, not all women have the same experiences, and my struggles are ultimately less because I'm a cis-white woman. 4/

The compounding trauma that women, but *especially* women of color, face by the time their resumes are sat down in front of employers directly contributes to why there are fewer women in science. Addressing these issues requires more than high fives on holidays. 5/

Our Black and brown colleagues have been telling us our DEI efforts are performative. With plenty of women looking like me in the wildlife field, our work MUST focus on recognizing social inequities before we can really address why our profession isn't a level playing field. 6/

I'm reminded today of the barriers I've personally/professionally overcome as a woman in science, but my journey is easier because of the color of my skin/how I present. Elevating women in science isn't possible if we ignore intersection of issues that make it harder for some 7/

There are SO MANY women in the wildlife fields who deserve attention for not only teaching me much of this thread, but for all they contribute to our world:

@hood_naturalist @soFISHtication @samanthaiam @Afro_Herper @RallidaeRule @kassthefish @jfmclaughlin92 @am_anatiala 8/

I know everyone is doing threads for #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience, but you gotta follow these wildlife/conservation biologists:
@RaeWynnGrant @SnowLeopardHope @uramakri @urbanfishingcat @fleurygs @ToadallyPriya @BrennaRForester @AllThatWildlife @DLNarango @TheWildlifeHost 9/

MOAR women in wildlife to follow:
@paigebyerly @jjdemor @birdsandbri @chacker414 @janetngbio @DETickTalk @Curly_Biologist @AriTheEcologist @_ellie_cat @bat_biomes @mellenmartin @DNLee5 @KorinnaDomingo @Yara_Haridy @beecologist @SamanthaSHauser @erlynerdgetbird @biophiliamanda 10/

More women in wildlife to follow:
@ChelseaHerps @DrLMRobinson @LizzieDalyWild @WildWildTWest @CylitaGuy @jafeltner @JustineASmith @DrKatfish @mcmsharksxx @ambikamath @anjanaflyingman @itatiVCS @ldpharr @je_light @bridavia @JERutter @sky_lepidus @HABrazeau @katie_m_o 11/

There are many great women in our field:
@becky_outside @pygmyrabbitgirl @daniellosaurus @reina_sabah @smangubhai @proko_eco @isabetabug @MirianTsuchiya @kirstyjean @kejames @SarahMackAttack @HellbenderHecht @kzeller @feelingkitfoxy @dinkins_lillian @JaishriJuice @mayahiga6 12/

There are so many more women leading, training, and excelling in wildlife. My efforts this past year have been with them in mind, specifically to ensure there is not one archetype of a woman scientist. But, more work is needed. 13/

I've turned down *most* interviews over the past 9 months. Some of this was due to family tragedy, so I'm not trying to get cookies here, but not all: my colleagues, especially non-white women, have things to say, and not enough people are seeking their expertise. 14/

The highlights of #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience is a performative effort unless we are also doing work in your own communities, departments, households, and on ourselves. This includes women like me with a lifetime of advantage compared to so many others! 15/

Here is a short list of resources I'm learning from. These issues aren't exclusive to women, but addressing them can elevate women. /fin

https://usdac.us/nativeland/ 
http://laylafsaad.com/meandwhitesupremacy
https://radicalcopyeditor.com/2016/09/21/black-with-a-capital-b/
https://medium.com/@chanda/decolonising-science-reading-list-339fb773d51f
http://www.bogireadstheworld.com/why-women-nonbinary-is-not-a-good-idea/

I am sorry for those I'm forgetting! It is encouraging that I can spend an hour and still not name you all, BUT these women need to be more than seen, they need to be in charge! Cite our papers, center our work, promote us, give us the mic, make us role models for your sons.

And lastly (maybe), because its Black History Month and Black women have been/are instrumental in shaping this country, today is a great day to order this book I've had my eye on:

"A Black Women's History of the United States" by By Daina Ramey Berry and Kale Nicole Gross.