Voices from the ASU Womyn's Coalition
Members of group speak about experiences in time for Women's History Month
For historian Yasmin Saikia, Women's History Month is an opportunity to recognize all women, in addition to trailblazing historical figures.
“The recognition that women do contribute immensely should be given more visibility,” said Saikia, a professor of history for Arizona State University's School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies and the Hardt-Nickachos Chair in Peace Studies in the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict.
ASU Now asked the ASU Womyn’s Coalition to tell us about themselves and what they would like the larger ASU community to understand about some of the struggles and experiences that women share, which for some meant facing gendered terms like being labeled overly emotional rather than passionate.
Video by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
“I think gendered expectations limit both men and women, but traditionally the costs have been exceptionally high for females,” said Professor Devoney Looser of the Department of English. “When we hear the word 'assertive,' do we associate that with a man or a woman? Usually with a man. When we hear the word 'shrill,' do we associate that with a man or a woman? Usually with a woman.”
For the students who make up the Womyn's Coalition, stereotypes and expectations, for both sexes, only limit our society as a whole.
Read more: ASU Womyn's Coalition advocates for gender equity from a student's perspective
Women’s History Month events at ASU
Full details and links to all events.
'Hidden Figures' screening
March 16, 5 p.m. | Devils Den (Polytechnic) | Sponsored by PAB, NSB, TrioDevils
Viewing of "Hidden Figures"; discussion to follow.
HERstory Group Wellness classes
March 19, all day | Sun Devil Fitness Complex (all campuses) | Sponsored by Sun Devil Fitness
Come to the SDFC and dance, work out and have fun to your favorite "girl power" music. It’ll be so fun you will forget you're working out!
Womxn Helping Womxn
March 20, 5-7:30 p.m. | Hayden Lawn (Tempe) | Sponsored by One Resistance & Changemaker
ASU womxn will gather to make handmade organic products for womxn in domestic violence shelters. In a casual, fun and fast-paced setting, ASU womxn will unite to give back to a local community.
March 21, 5-7 p.m. | Changemaker Central (Downtown Phoenix) | Sponsored by Changemaker Downtown
Join Changemaker for an evening of discussion while breaking bread. Let’s discuss education and how we can continue to promote inclusivity in and outside the classrooms.
The Purpose of Democracy and Identity, a Q & A with Lesley McSpadden
March 22, 7 p.m. | Neeb Hall (Tempe) | Sponsored by Womyn’s Coalition, Black African Coalition and ASU NAACP
A Q&A with Black Lives Matter activist and mother of Michael Brown, Lesley McSpadden. Reception to follow.
Knowledge is Power Women's Dinner
March 27, 6-8 p.m. | La Sala ABC (West) | Sponsored by Engaging Minds
A dinner dedicated to strong, powerful women. Bringing awareness to different stigma and stereotypes against women, along with providing insight on women who have overcome adversity. A gallery will be on display of women, along with a panel of speakers.
'Birthright: A War Story' film screening
March 29, 6 p.m. | Marston Exploration Theater, ISTB4 (Tempe) | Sponsored by the ASU Film Association, ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration, and AZ Celebrates The 19th Amendment.
Screening followed by Q&A with creator and producer Civia Tamarkin. A feature-length documentary that tells the story of women who have become collateral damage in the aggressive campaign to take control of reproductive health care and to allow states, courts and religious doctrine to govern whether, when and how women will bear children.
Badass Block Party
March 30, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Hayden Lawn (Tempe) | Sponsored by Womyn’s Coalition & HERstory Planning Committee
A Celebration of the Badass Women of ASU featuring food, performances and women’s organizations from campus and the Phoenix community. All are welcome to join in the fun!
Top photo: (Clockwise from top left) ASU Womyn's Coalition members Professor Devoney Looser, Angelica Cabral, Keala Busse and Emily Rubio. Photos by Deanna Dent/ASU Now
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