History

• No IAU resolution on women in astronomy in the IAU's 90 year history.
• The IYA2009 cornerstone project She Is An Astronomer proposed that there be a resolution to support women in astronomy.
• Resolution was submitted to the IAU Executive Committee by SIAA Chair Dr Helen Walker.
• Resolution supported by IAU Working Group on Women in Astronomy
• Accepted by IAU Resolutions Committee in July 2009.
• Voted on by IAU members at the XXVII General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August 2009

The Resolution

• Resolution B4 on supporting women in astronomy, resolves:
  
  1. that IAU members should encourage and support the female astronomers in their communities,
  2. that IAU members and National Representatives should encourage national organisations to break down barriers and ensure that men and women are given equal opportunities to pursue a successful career in astronomy at all levels and career steps.

• Full resolution can be found here
• Helen Walker's speech to the General Assembly
• The resolution was passed :-)