Naples hosts Women’s History Month symposium

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Collin Turner | Capt. Synthia Jones, right, addresses the Women's History Month Symposium at Naval Support Activity Naples. The theme of this year's symposium, hosted by the NSA Naples multicultural heritage committee, is "Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Collin Turner/Released)  

NAPLES, ITALY

03.26.2013

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

NAPLES, Italy – Naval Support Activity Naples’ multicultural heritage committee hosted a National Women's History Month symposium in the Capodichino theater, March 26.

The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month is “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination,” a theme that asks women in the service to think outside of the box.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Fleet Master Chief JoAnn Ortloff, the event’s keynote speaker, focused on the importance of women in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Women fill many vital positions within the military,” said Fleet Master Chief Ortloff. “Of those roles, STEM specialties have become even more important, especially with the way the world continues to evolve.”

Distinguished guests, including military and civilians, took part in a discussion concerning women’s contributions to the areas of STEM, and various experiences and challenges women face in today’s military.

“Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Sheena Todd, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa’s Blue Jacket of the Year. “You have to try and overcome the barriers that are presented to you, and sometimes that takes imagination.”

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Ron Nacianceno, president of the multicultural heritage committee, arranged the symposium to highlight the contributions of women to the Navy.

“I think it is important for service members to recognize and celebrate Women’s History Month because it pays tribute to all the women who have served, from past to present,” said Nacianceno.
During the event, Fleet Master Chief Ortloff presented facts and figures to provide context to the total force manning.

According to the Navy’s Office of Women’s Policy, Navy female officers fill roughly 10 percent of STEM positions, while female enlisted Sailors make up 22 percent of the intelligence community ratings and 21 percent of operational ratings. More than 54,000 active duty women and 10,000 female reservists currently serve in the Navy.

The origins of Women's History Month are traced back to 1911, when "International Woman's Day" was celebrated around the week of March 8. In 1987, Congress voted to expand the celebration to the entire month. Soon after, other state education departments began to encourage celebrations of National Women's History Month as a way to promote equality.
The multicultural heritage team hosts events throughout the year to raise cultural awareness, morale and support understanding between sailors.

• Date Taken: 03.26.2013
• Date Posted: 03.27.2013 05:59
• Story ID: 104162
• Location: NAPLES, IT