Join Gender & Sexuality Programs, the Office of Intercultural Development, and other on-campus partners at our Feminist Fest, today from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Farinon Atrium, as we mark the official celebration of Women’s History Month. Come for the giveaways & educational resources, jam out to a DJ, and enter for your chance to win fun and educational prizes!
Feminism is a range of socio-political movements and ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes. Feminism incorporates the position that societies prioritize the male point of view, and that women are treated unjustly within those societies.
Absolutely anyone can be a feminist regardless of their gender identity! What’s important is believing all genders having equal rights and opportunities. It’s about respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths, and striving to empower all women to realize their full rights.
Ready to get started? Here are four tips from the International Women’s Development Agency:
1. COMMIT TO ATTENDING A PROTEST, WALK OR RALLY: The sheer scale of events like this sends a powerful message to politicians, the media, and society that women aren’t standing idly by. They can halt laws, forge new ones, and bring light to issues the mainstream media ignores.
2. MAKE A FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO WOMEN’S RIGHTS: Long-term, sustainable support is critical to ensuring the longevity of vital programs that support women and girls when they need it most. Whether you give $5 or $50 a month, you money will enable organizations to work with partners to drive transformative change in their communities, the region and the world.
3. CALL OUT SEXISM WHEN YOU SEE IT: If you see friends, family or acquaintances being misogynistic, and you feel safe and comfortable to call them out on it, then go for it. Often people like this are coming from a place of ignorance over hate, and countering them with facts can lead to a healthy, constructive learning experience.
4. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON DIVERSE WOMEN: If you’ve acknowledged how elements of your life experience affect your place in society and are making an active effort to listen to voices different to your own, you’re already well on the way to being an intersectional feminist ally. But to be a true friend to the movement, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, it’s not up to other women to educate you on their subcultures or experiences. There are a ton of amazing books, films, and podcasts that can help shed light on the experiences of women and broaden your learning.
Women’s History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8.