George Washington University Athletics
Caira Washington Speaks at United State of Women Summit
6/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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June 15, 2016
WASHINGTON -- George Washington women's basketball rising senior Caira Washington was invited to speak on a Title IX panel at the United State of Women Summit on Tuesday at the Washington Convention Center.
Washington joined tennis legend Billie Jean King and Jennifer Welter, the first female coach in the NFL, on a panel about the doors which Title IX opened for women in both athletics and educational opportunities. Washington spoke about the opportunities that the legislation has given her and her teammates, as well as the opportunities it will give younger female athletes later in their athletic careers.
"My teammates and I at George Washington University benefit from Title IX every day -- often without even knowing it," Washington said on the panel. "We take for granted that when we arrive on campus, we will have an arena to play in, uniforms to wear and equipment to make us better. And that's not just true for sports -- Title IX has ensured access to educational and professional opportunities that would not have been possible just a few decades ago. I want to make sure that young girls ... receive the same opportunities that I have at GW. Title IX's work is far from over; we must protect it for our daughters and our granddaughters because guys and girls should both be able to chase their dreams -- period. It's that simple."
The United State of Women Summit was convened by the White House to rally women together to celebrate what they have achieved and how they will take action moving forward. The Summit covered key gender equality issues, such as economic empowerment, health and wellness, educational opportunity, violence against women, entrepreneurship and innovation, and leadership and civic engagement. First Lady Michelle Obama and celebrities such as Oprah, Kerry Washington, Amy Poehler and Shonda Rhimes also presented at the Summit.
"There are so many women and young girls making a difference, big or small, to try and better the paths for women and young girls to prosper in all areas of life," Washington said. "With that being said, there is a lot more to be done.
"It was amazing sharing the stage with (Billie Jean King and Jen Welter)," she added. "What they've done in the field of women's athletics will forever be remembered and appreciated because they've added so much depth to what women can achieve."
