Although this data is from a few classes in Denver, Colorado, it could represent some students’ current beliefs. The sixth most popular topic for students during the 2023 -2024 year in my public speaking classes was Women’s Rights, with 11 students noting this topic.
Based on recent changes in the laws, it is not surprising that this topic would appear. The main areas of focus are abortion rights, the gender pay gap, women in the military, and the pink tax.
Abortion rights – 5
There were 11 students out of the 218 that completed the assignment. The focus is on how to advocate for women to maintain this right. They also covered overall challenges with women’s health if this option is unavailable. They were concerned when women were not allowed to release the pregnancy to unwanted or neglected children. They also examined stigmas as well as facts related to abortions. Another area was how ectopic pregnancies should be handled if abortion is not available. The last two areas are the change in the laws with the overturn of Roe v Wade and the impact on women in general.
Gender pay gap – 2
The focus is on access to pay based on the job being provided. They felt that equal pay was around human and women’s rights and resulted from discrimination.
Pink tax – 1
Although I only had one student cover this topic during just over a year’s worth of data, it appeared a few times in previous terms and warranted a mention. If you are unfamiliar with the term, it relates to a woman paying more for a product because it is labeled a woman’s product. For example, a razor made in pink and called a woman’s product is more expensive.
And then the pink tax. If you’re not familiar with the pink tax, it is money that is paid. Women pay more for products than men because they put the women’s label on them.
If we get a razor, for example, a razor for a man and a woman, they might sell the same razor, but they put it in pink and call it a woman’s razor, which becomes more expensive. The students were concerned because women can represent a lower income group, and they felt the products should be readily available in schools and for women who are incarcerated.