The status of women is the focus of a month of presentations in San Francisco at the Commonwealth Club of California.

The Ascent of Woman delves into women's lives today and the multitude of definitions of what a “woman's place” is. Though its name may be a lame take-off on the Al Pacino movie title, the August 2010 series has a smashing line-up that includes UCSF molecular biologist Elizabeth H. Blackburn, winner of the 2009 Nobel Prize in medicine for co-discovering an enzyme that affects aging and cancer (appearing Aug.


4), and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, speaking about mental health issues.

Also appearing are Salon.com editor-in-chief Joan Walsh, who challenged Fox News’ Bill O'Reilly over the murder of an abortion doctor; violinist Midori, who’s a United Nations messenger of peace; and Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Other topics in the series are women in technology, in environmental movements and in the workplace; mentoring; architect Julia Morgan; and women of Israel, Somali and Afghanistan.

The nonprofit, educational Commonwealth Club was founded in 1903 by a bunch of guys. It was set up to be a public affairs forum where, in the Club’s own words, “intelligent men…could debate issues of public concern.”

Starting in 1971, the Club allowed women to join the debates.

The Ascent of Woman
August 4 – 31
Most events at the Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St. Ticket prices vary.