Women’s Studies outlines upcoming events

Because she was unwell last Wednesday Dr. Beth Bailey was unable to give a talk on “Improving Pregnancy and Newborn Health in Northeast Tennessee” on behalf of the Women’s Studies Program.

However, Dr. Phyllis Thompson, the secondary education coordinator for English majors, and Casey Walker, a graduate assistant for the Women’s Studies Program, were there. Both women are heavily involved with the Women’s Studies department, and Walker herself is the planner for one of the program’s upcoming events.

One Billion Rising is a charity that seeks to bring awareness about the violence that occurs against 1 out of 3 (1 billion) women in the world.

One Billion Rising’s silent campus march is to begin this Valentine’s Day at 12:45 p.m. — a One Billion Rising event that Walker and Shae Keane have organized for the community.

At 6 p.m. on Feb. 14, One Billion Rising will also hold a Dance Revolution at The Galaxy Lounge on 216 E. Main St. from 7-11 p.m. The event is open to everyone and has a $5 cover charge. All proceeds will go to local charities that help survivors of violence.

“The thing that I love about One Billion Rising is that it’s an opportunity to channel all that energy and angst and turn it into something positive through dance,” Walker said.

Featured live music acts include: Jen Rock and the Crybabies, Charis Hickson and Amythyst Kiah. Live poetry readings and storytelling will also be featured.

There will be no alcohol served at this event.

Other upcoming events for the Women’s Studies program include a presentation on March 1 by Keane, a senior who has recently returned from a four-month stay in Rwanda.

During her visit, Shae met with women who were victims of genocide. She wants their stories to be heard and the journeys to be recognized.

In the third week of March, Women on Wednesdays (WoW) goes global, and will hold a roundtable discussion of students and faculty who have taken part in activism around the world. One goal for this meeting is to give advice to students who have a desire to participate in global activism but are unsure of where to start.

On Apr. 19, WoW will travel to Washington, D.C., for a student leadership conference, for both women and men, about social injustice towards women.

For those interested in Dr. Bailey’s speech, Women’s Studies does plan to reschedule with her at a future date this semester.

Students are encouraged to attend One Billion Rising’s events this week and to check out their website, onebillionrising.org, for more information on the organization.

Students who are interested in any of the upcoming events for Women’s Studies can contact Walker at walkercl1@goldmail.etsu.edu for more information.