The Program for Research and Outreach on Gender Equity in Society (PROGRESS)

The Program for Research and Outreach on Gender Equity in Society (PROGRESS) was established in 2006 by Linda Babcock, the James M. Walter Professor Emerita, with joint appointments in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. Although the program is open to everyone, it aims to empower women and girls through negotiation to improve society.

Babcock is a leading authority on negotiation, with over 25 years of experience in the field. Her work focuses on the intersection of gender and negotiation. She has co-authored two acclaimed books: "Women Don't Ask: Negotiation and the Gender Divide" and "Ask for It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want."

Why Do We Exist?

PROGRESS utilizes sound academic research to empower youth and adults to examine and address gender inequity. Babcock's award-winning book, "Women Don't Ask," highlights the ongoing issue of women negotiating less than men. This problem persists even among young college students and those in business schools today. The book has raised awareness among adult women, but Babcock's research indicates that since negotiation behaviors and attitudes are formed early in life, the best outcomes occur when negotiation training begins at a young age.

Learning to negotiate involves taking one's voice seriously, building confidence in communicating with peers, and feeling comfortable resisting the pressures to engage in activities that could jeopardize one's safety, health and future. Additionally, negotiation skills can strengthen relationships with parents, family members, teachers and other adults in one's life. By teaching negotiation to both youth and adults, we can effectively reshape our futures.