EqualityQuilt

Are you a Feminist?

I am. And I am not afraid to call myself a feminist in public. However, many women are afraid to tell others that they are a feminist. If they do, they get that "I'm saying a dirty word look" on their faces. Lately, I feel like this trend is spreading to the word women. Organizations no longer want to have the word women in their mission, they don't want to address women's issues during meetings and they do not want to be affiliated with other feminist groups. This trend has not only spread to organizations, but has began happening on college campuses. Women's Studies Departments are becoming Gender Studies Departments, and Women's Studies majors do not consider themselves feminists.

Why is this? Why are women scared to be identified as feminists or to be part of a women's community? Why do women who support women's equality contribute to the backlash against these words? The following clip from "I Was a Teenage Feminist" offers a few ideas, but we want to know what you think. Are you a feminist? Will you call yourself one in public? -Erin

A start in the right direction

Hello I'm Jen.

I am a senior at Hamline University and graduating in the Spring.  I am a History major with an emphasis in Women's History.  I am an advocate for women!  I am especially passionate about women's sexuality and public health and want to educate youth to be independent healthy decision makers in their life.  I do not see myself having my own classroom, but more of an informal path to teach through organizations.  I also believe women do not know much about Women's history, which as a result, hinders activism from women in society, at least those of younger generations.  This is something I hope to change.  The women's consortium is a great place to start and I love the women here.  I try to go with the flow and see where I go...in this crazy world, things sometimes seem hopeless and uncomfortable, but I do still have hope and optimism in all that's amiss. It's been quite an adventure so far and I love it.   (Note from Bonnie:  to check out the great Hamline Women's Studies program, click here.)

Women Came to the Capitol

On March 12, roughly 35 women attended Women Come to the Capitol to learn about lobbying, issues and meet with their legislators. If you were unable to attend, check out the photo album and the video clips from the event. There are more clips below the jump. Thank you so much to our speakers and panelists: Kathleen Murphy (Midwest Health Center for Women), Carla Ferucci (Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women), Mary Jo George (of Minnesota Nurses Association, in video below) Mary Cecconi (Parents United for Public Schools) and Sally Hassell (Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota).

Kalsang, We Are Thinking of You

With the news of renewed fighting between Tibetans and the Chinese government, we are extra glad to hear from Consortium friend Kalsang Wangdu who keeps us in touch with the Tibetan Women's Association of Minnesota.   She sent us this pic from her recent presentation to the women of Red Wing.  I first learned last year about the Women's Uprising in Tibet of 1959, commemorated by the TWAM in an event at the state Capitol.   I think some of the women and men arrested then died in jail.  The beautiful singing of the Tibetan Minnesotans about the longing for peace  can still be heard by clicking here for one of our previous articles.  Our heartfelt best wishes to you and yours on both continents, Kalsang.  -Bonnie

Title IX and Women in Sports

From the Women's Center at St. Cloud State University:  "Two thousand and seven marked the 35th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation passed in 1972 prohibiting sex discrimination in all areas of education. Title IX has, perhaps, been most visible in the area of sports, consequently a large body of research has documented the physical, social and psychological dimensions of sport in the lives of girls and women. This presentation will address the impact, the numbers, the reactions, and the benefits of Title IX, specifically as it relates to women in sports at the collegiate level."

'Social change is slow; it requires persistence over time, one person, one action at a time. We are still working to realize the promise of Title IX.'  - Donna Lopiano, former CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation.

Click on the bar below to hear this presentation from the "Women on Wednesday" series from the Women's Center at St. Cloud State University - originally presented on February 20.   The presenters are Dr. Susan Becker, associate director of athletics and senior women's administrator at St. Cloud State, and Dr. Lori Ulferts, head women's basketball coach at St. Cloud State. 

Hi, We are the New Hamline University Interns.

Working at the Women's Consortium has been so far a great opportunity. The staff here are a joy to work with and are very empowered women who can influence the world around us.   We are very excited to see what else this organization can do in our lives as well as the community around St. Paul.

    

Sarah Ann                                                      Kelly