Women throughout San Diego County are invited to engage in conversation with activist and author Gloria Steinem during a forum that will address prevalent issues facing American women.
“Conversations Over Coffee,” sponsored by Prudential Financial and Ms. magazine, is geared toward women in their mid-30s to 50s, who are concerned about issues such as retirement and estate planning, but don’t know how to go about getting the answers.
Along with Steinem, co-founder of Ms., a feminist publication, keynote speakers include the editor-in-chief of Ms., Marcia Ann Gillespie, and Prudential financial planner Fran Jacoby.
“I think it will be an exciting event and a great learning opportunity,” said Susan Martin, a spokeswoman for the event.
The event will take place Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley.
The idea for the forum was prompted by a recent study conducted by Prudential Financial on the attitudes of women on the topic of finances.
The “American Baby Boom” survey found that while 95 percent of the women surveyed take a strong and active role in protecting the physical safety of themselves and their loved ones with devices like seat belts and smoke detectors, only 46 percent said they have a will, trust or estate plan.
“Women don’t always pursue an active role in financial matters,” Martin said, adding that they don’t often recognize the importance of being financially prepared.
The study indicated that several reasons for this is the lack of concern over financial matters and women sometimes relying on a spouse or a partner to handle financial planning and transactions.
Discussion will cover a wide range of topics from understanding 401(k) planning to going back to school after raising children, as well as other social, political and economic issues.
Local Prudential representatives will also be on hand to provide literature and information on financial planning.
“There’s really no rules for this , it’s the cat’s meow, it’s for whatever people want to talk about,” Martin said.
The relaxed and informal event will feature the keynote speakers seated face-to-face with audience members addressing issues and answering questions.
“This is a great event for us to get out the message, especially to San Diego, and there’s nothing better than for Ms. (magazine) to get out and meet its readers upfront and in their communities,” she said.
Martin said an estimated 200 people are expected to attend.
The forum is hosted under Women Staying Connected, a free educational program sponsored by Prudential Financial and Ms. magazine designed to help women learn and tackle important issues.
For information, contact Kryssa Guntrum at (415) 352-2628, Ext. 156.
