When I first started working as a science and business reporter in the 1980s, the promise of equal time for women attracted a fierce new generation of journalists: international reporter Christiane Amanpour, sportswriter Melissa Ludtke, political correspondent Cokie Roberts, to name just a few.

Today the reality is different. Despite significant strides, women are still underrepresented in newsrooms and especially in top jobs. This, in turn, affects how often the perspective of women appears in the media; by some estimates, women still make up only about 20 percent of the experts quoted in a typical news story.

For almost 40 years, one nonprofit membership organization, Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS), has actively worked to advance the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism. And now, our mission is more vital than ever. Harassment of women journalists is escalating, especially online, and pay inequity continues. At the same time, growing political polarization has undermined public trust in the critical role the media plays in a healthy democracy.

I’d like you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to JAWS, where I’m a dedicated member and on the national board.

Regardless of how much you give, your contribution will help us continue our deeply felt mission of supporting some 300 journalists across the United States. Whether they are recent college grads, established professionals, or freelancers, we support them all with an annual conference, regional meetings, online training, and the kind of camaraderie and networking opportunities that our members say are impossible to find anywhere else.

My deep thanks to you for considering donating to JAWS, and for your support.

We still have so much work to do.

Sana Siwolop

Sana's JAWS fundraising campaign

By Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS)

Sana's JAWS fundraising campaign

Support the future of JAWS today!