Young Women to Learn About Health on March 9
More than 1,400 teen-aged girls from San Francisco and San Mateo counties will attend the Fifth Annual Young Women's Health Conference on Wednesday, March 9th, in San Francisco.
Focusing on the theme " A Day to Inspire a Lifetime: Strong, Proud, United" this year's event is set for 9 a.m. to 3: 45 p.m. at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
The UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health and State Senator Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco/San Mateo) co-sponsor the one-day event to empower young women and connect them to resources in their community. Each year a steering committee of teens from as many as 15 different schools gathers for after-school meetings. The steering committee works together to contribute ideas for speakers and workshops, choose a conference theme and, as a group, do whatever is necessary to put on a program of this scale.
"Alumnae" of the steering committee recently completed a survey on the effect of the program on their lives. "It taught me to believe in the power of a diverse group of young women to improve our lives," said one. Said another, "It influenced my decisions on what I should do in life. I won't keep my mind closed to careers traditionally considered too difficult for women."
An open microphone session after lunch will encourage young women to speak their minds to an audience of their peers. In the past, these impromptu sessions are inspirational as they include creative expressions and song.
More than 30 conference workshops, 20 speakers and 50 exhibitors will engage the teens in addressing difficult subjects and offering resources and information. This year's workshops will cover a wide range of topics such as dating violence, juvenile justice, nutrition and fitness, activism, personal finance and decision-making, mental health issues and leadership development.
The goal of the UCSF National Center of Excellence in Women's Health is to address women's changing health needs throughout their lifespan, according to Nancy Milliken, MD, director of the Center of Excellence and vice dean of the UCSF School of Medicine.
"The young women who plan and attend this conference are inspiring. Every day they confront challenges and make complex choices that can impact their lives for years to come," Milliken said. "We believe they have a right to honest information and genuine support for the promise that is in their hearts, minds, and bodies. This conference is designed to provide this and we are pleased that past participants say it has made a difference in their lives."
For more information about the Young Women's Health Conference, go here.
Source: Eve Harris