Lyssa BeyerSince 1987, Congress has deemed March National Women’s History Month as part of the effort to increase the visibility and awareness of the vast and unique contributions women have made to our collective history. The lives and achievements of women have too often gone unrecognized in traditional historical narratives, and thus, the purpose of Women’s History Month is to uncover these histories and present a more authentic view of our past, as well as our present.
As the National Women’s History Project contends, “We draw strength and inspiration from those who came before us – and those remarkable women working among us today. They are part of our story, and a truly balanced and inclusive history recognizes how important women have always been in American society.”
Each year, Women’s History Month is celebrated on college campuses and in countless other capacities throughout the country. UW-Eau Claire hosts a variety of events annually in recognition of this national event, and – as many others have done – we’ve adopted the name Women’s Herstory Month. Everyone on campus and in the community is invited to submit related events in celebration of Women’s Herstory Month. In the past, these events have taken a variety of forms – from panel discussions and presentations to guest lectures and artistic performances.
Typically, the annual performance of “The Vagina Monologues” kicks off the Women’s Herstory Month celebration. As was exemplified by Emily Rae Hartwig’s column in the Feb. 28 edition of The Spectator, and the many comments posted in response to this article online, this performance often generates controversy with responses ranging from reverence and exhilaration to outright disgust. My own introduction to “The Vagina Monologues” in a women’s literature course was eye-opening and, at times, uncomfortable, but I found it liberating to have the opportunity to speak openly about issues that are an integral aspect of women’s lives and that are often silenced in our culture. However, I recognize that not all share my view of Eve Ensler’s work. For this reason, the WAGE Center holds a post-discussion each year following the performance to discuss various responses to “The Vagina Monologues” and the issues it raises. In the past, there have been attendees from both ends of the spectrum and I invite anyone who would like to discuss these issues in an open and safe environment to join us this Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in the WAGE Center, Schofield 30, to share his or her perspective.
Two nationally known guest speakers will also be visiting the Eau Claire campus this March in honor of Women’s Herstory Month. On March 11, Dr. Robert Jensen, professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin, will be giving classroom presentations throughout the day leading up to a public talk entitled “The Paradox of Pornography: Sex, Intimacy & Communication,” at 7 p.m. in the Davies Theatre. Much of Jensen’s work is centered on pornography and the radical feminist critique of sexuality and men’s violence. In his most recent book, “Getting Off: Pornography and the End of Masculinity,” Jensen examines the multi-billion dollar pornography industry and its impact on our increasingly “pornified” culture.
“I am sure that no matter how difficult it is to look at what pornography tells us about ourselves,” Jensen writes, “we have to look.” Jensen’s book is on sale now at the UW-Eau Claire bookstore; he will be available to sign books and answer questions after his public talk.
Ellen Bravo, professor of women’s studies at UW-Milwaukee, will be visiting the university for a talk centered on her new book “Taking On the Big Boys: Or Why Feminism is Good for Families, Business, and the Nation” on March 26 at 4 p.m. in Schneider 100. Bravo is a long-time activist who began working for the 9 to 5 National Association of Working Women in 1982 and served as its national director until 2004. In “Taking On the Big Boys,” Bravo “shows what’s really holding (working) women back – the Big Boys, those who control wealth and power in this country and their surrogates” by detailing “the minimizing, patronizing and demonizing tactics employed by the Big Boys to maintain the status quo – a status quo that has done more than anything to drive women out of top jobs and devalue their caregiving work.”
Her talk will be focused on recognizing the reforms needed in today’s workplace and outlining strategies for activism. Bravo’s book is also on sale now at the campus bookstore and she will be available to sign books after her talk.
Again, these are just several of a myriad of consciousness-raising events going on throughout March and into April to celebrate the lives of women. Please join us to raise awareness about the history of women, past and present, and to learn more about the ways in which women impact – and are impacted by – the society in which we live. As the NWHP writes, “History helps us learn who we are, but when we don’t know our own history, our power and dreams are immediately diminished.”
For a complete listing of this year’s events, please contact WAGE or check out our calendar at www.uwec.edu/sdd/wage.
Cooper-Murphy is coordinator of the WAGE Center and guest columnist for The Spectator.
