I am glad to see that this topic is being discussed. As we can see it is a multi-dimensional issue that includes gender, race and economics. At least we are making each other more aware of the other points of view. Hopefully this will make a difference when we make decisions throughout our careers. Sharif
----Original Message Follows---- From: Dina Fonseca <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: Dina Fonseca <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: gender issues in ecology Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 20:54:01 -0500 Hello, As a mother of 2 small children (2 and 5), I have very limited available time but I have been trying to follow the thread. Mostly what I have issues with ends up being addressed by someone else and so I have kept aside. But there are two things that seem to have been missed: (1) "supportive husband" is redundant. If he isn't willing to support your dreams and ambitions why on earth would you marry the guy??? (2) I just need to say this for those of you that haven't yet experienced the fantastic trip that is to be pregnant. The word "incapacitated" is so far out! Thank you to my buddy Jim Roper (tudo bem, Jim?) for catching up on this but I thing there is need for some follow-up. During my total of 18 months of pregnancy I was at peak efficiency and academic performance. I just love that hormonal linearity (which actually extends for an extra 3-4 months after birth). I successfully wrote grants and/or worked on and published high profile papers during that time. I worked until the eleventh hour and then started working again within a couple of days after birth (in fact I gave a job talk (successfully) less than 3 weeks after the birth of my second child). Why on earth should being pregnant affect your ability to think? You are making a child, why not invest and concentrate on giving he/she a happy accomplished mum? Prepare of course, stay fit for one, eat well. I wasn't perfect on either of these but I tried and it all worked out ok. Note: Sorry about the "preaching tone"... Now, there are exceptions. Some pregnancies are complicated and require rest. But I wonder what the stats on that are? Anyone with that info handy? We are lucky in our field there is so much writing to do. Grants, manuscripts (publish or perish, right?), protocols, etc. I was able to work more from home for the first weeks or even months in one case and then gradually pass on the kiddos to a good daycare for good socialization. Of course I would love if daycares were more available (i.e. cheaper and closer). But as it has been mentioned good enterprises have "seen the light". More should follow. Further, some societies are now making daycare available at meetings - the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene for one. Kudos! Are there others? Others thinking about it? It helps! Just my 2c. Dina _________________________________________________________________ All-in-one security and maintenance for your PC. Get a free 90-day trial! http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwlo0050000002msn/direct/01/?href=http://www.windowsonecare.com/?sc_cid=msn_hotmail
