Becky Bennett, director of the Career Services Center, stood in front of a group of women Friday afternoon in Downing University Center’s Cupola Room. “Today I want to take a look at strong and beautiful women, and where we are today,” she said.

Bennett was just one of five speakers chosen to be a part of the Women of Western Conference: “Generations of Women Moving History Forward.”

The conference, aimed to recognize the achievements of women in the areas of science, community, government, literature, sports and medicine, was presented by Housing and Resident Life and the women’s studies department.

The conference attracted about 20 women of all ages. They participated in three sessions throughout the afternoon in which speakers spoke about issues such as women’s employment, involvement in politics and voting, leadership and social and global issues.

Bennett started off the mini-conference with a PowerPoint presentation telling women about careers and employment and how they pertained to women’s issues.

She explained that women make up about 46 percent of the total United States labor force, but that women only make 76 percent of what men earn. She also explained how those challenges will effect women in the workforce.

“I want women to have a clearer understanding of the paths that will help make them more successful, whether they are in the family setting or work setting,” she said. “I want them to know they can be successful and help give them a sense of identity.”

Gilbert Hall Director Karla Perez-Velez, adviser of Women of Western, a themed living option that provides a safe space where women can develop, said the conference was a perfect way to discuss issues women face today.

WOW has about 20-30 active members, but is welcome to all residents of Gilbert, Perez-Velez said.

“I think it is important for women to voice their opinion and get involved so they can make a difference in others’ lives,” Perez-Velez said. “The goal of WOW is to make a difference one woman at a time.”

Hannah Niemietz, a sophomore from Hendersonville, Tenn., attended the conference in hopes of learning more about women’s studies and the issues women still face today and how they can change them.

“Sexism and racism and other problems all have the same underlying theme,” she said. “When we fight sexism or racism, we create a better society, not just for women but for everyone.”

Niemietz said she agreed that women should be more informed and want to learn about issues that face them today, such as sexual discrimination and societal perceptions of women being sex objects and the “lesser sex.”

Shannon Hicks, a junior from Nitro, W. Va., said she joined WOW because she is a resident assistant in Gilbert and witnessed how closely the group worked together.

Hicks said that many people don’t know that women still have problems with inequality, and mental and physical health. She hopes the WOW program will make some people more aware of those problems.

“I feel very privileged to be a part of such an awesome program that is just in the beginning stages,” Hicks said. “Women have so much to contribute to society that people just can’t ignore the ideas of half of the population.”

Reach Alex Booze at diversions@chherald.com.