You are invited to a special Trinity screening & discussion of Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, sponsored by The Women’s Student Action Coalition and Sigma Iota Rho National Honor Society! 

Part 1: Wednesday, March 20th at 6PM 

Part 2: Thursday, March 21st at 6PM

Where: O’Connor Auditorium

**Screening followed by discussion**

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide was filmed in 10 countries, following Nicholas Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn, and celebrity activists America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union and Olivia Wilde on a journey to tell the stories of inspiring, courageous individuals. Across the globe oppression is being confronted, and real meaningful solutions are being fashioned through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. The linked problems of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality — which needlessly claim one woman every 90 seconds — present to us the single most vital opportunity of our time: the opportunity to make a change. All over the world women are seizing this opportunity. (Courtesy of PBS.org).

To watch the film trailer, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JbWA-6GDn4&feature=relmfu

 DONATIONS NEEDED!!

The Women’s Student Action Coalition needs t-shirts to create the Clothesline Project this year. If you have any old or used t-shirts that you don’t wear anymore, please drop them off outside Dr. Piland’s office (Main 267) by March 31st, 2012. Thank you!

The following post was written by Social Media Specialist Kathryn Clarkin.

The month of January is important for many reasons however, the passing of women’s right to choose to have an abortion in the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade was a historic event to happen in the long journey of women’s rights movement. Moreover, women still have to fight every day for this right. Therefore, this is why organizations like the Women’s Information Network have developed. I attended a Women’s Information Network event the week before the Roe v. Wade candle light vigil on the Supreme Court steps. I enjoyed going to this Women’s Information Network event, I learned a lot about how many states are making law that hinder the right for a women to receive and abortion. Therefore, this is why women have to stand up and continue to fight for their rights so they do not get them taken away!

What makes a leader?

This is a question that has haunted me most of my undergraduate career. When I first began working with the Women’s Student Action Coalition I questioned my ability to lead and I worried that other students would question my competence. Peter Parker’s uncle once said, “With great power comes great responsibility” (excuse my Spiderman reference, it works here. I swear.) I always feared being a terrible leader or using my leadership position in a way that would cause no change. Eventually I learned that leadership styles differ and I am an individual in all that I do, this includes my ability to lead the Women’s Student Action Coaliton. 

I realized that I was competent and able only through opportunities where I was a leader. I was thrust in front of groups of students and expected to convince them that I was a suitable President. I was expected to hold the floor at meetings and to give my opinion. A student once approached me asking my opinion about an issue concerning students at the time, and I remember thinking Oh crap, I don’t know how I feel about this, I’m representing the group! But these experiences taught me that I was able to lead group discussions and that speaking in public wasnt as scary as I’d thought. But more than anything leading gave me confidence, and I began to witness myself transform. I became less concerned with the way people felt about my opinions and was proud of myself and my accomplishments. I believe that this is where true change can occur and we can empower women and girls. Telling women that they are strong, intelligent, and capable does not suffice. We must let them show themselves. Always accept an opportunity to become a leader or support a fellow leader. If that’s in a simple way like leading a class discussion, running for class president or voting progressive women into office. Take it. Realizing that you are able is empowering.

 It is my humble opinion that Trinity is filled with inspirational and intelligent young women.  I see so many of my classmates and I think Wow, Jane is so talented, or Rita, is such a great speaker. What’s sad about Jane and Rita is that usually they doubt their abilities. What’s unfortunate about Jane and Rita is that they don’t want to be leaders because they are afraid. This is not a problem I see in young men. The world is missing out on great female leaders. I am pleasantly frightened at the amount of power we could harness if we acknowledged and used the power within us. That’s what the women of our generation are lacking, the knowledge of their own power and competence. So, the next time you hear a young woman doubt herself, remind her that she has all the tools she needs to be effective within her.

Hi Trinity women! My name is Keesha Desormeaux and I am one of the programmers of the Women’s Student Action Coalition. I am a sophomore here at Trinity and my major is Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Communication. I decided to join WSAC after taking a Women’s Studies course with Dr. Piland and discovering that I am a feminist. Who would have thought? I realized that being a feminist is simply believing in equality and doing things for the advancement of women. After I came to this realization, it was only right to become involved with Trinity’s very own group of feminists. I look forward to working with all of these wonderful ladies this upcoming semester as we begin to make a change on our campus! I encourage all of my Trinity sisters to come out and support the fight for women’s rights!

Hello fellow Trinity sisters! My name is Alex and I am the Treasurer of the Women’s Student Action Coalition (WSAC). I am a Junior here at Trinity, majoring in English with a minor in Communication. I am a pretty fun and outgoing person just trying to find my place in the world. Trinity has unveiled my hidden passion for feminism and has inspired me to inspire others! I hope of one day becoming a teacher with a focus to educate and encourage more young women to become leaders in society and fight against sex discrimination. I joined WSAC with a purpose to meet and befriend young women with similar interests in women’s rights as well as become active in the change I wish to see in the world. I believe there is a light that shines in each and every one of us and together we can bring out the best in one another. Women must come together and demand to be heard; no longer will we be victims of social and sexual degradation in a society where women make up 51% of the population. I say it’s time we take over the world! (Sorry, I got carried away) However, I encourage everyone to attend a Women’s Student Action Coalition event and or drop in at one of our meetings. The more the merrier; all support and participation is truly appreciated. We can’t win this battle without you!

~I AM WOMAN!~

Hola buddies! My name is Victoria Turcios, I am a Psychology major and a Women’s Studies minor but above all, I am a flaming FEMINIST. When I’m not reading about the ways we can improve our lives using mindfulness and love, you can find me in the deli devouring something delicioso. I am the President of the Women’s Student Action Coalition. I have led the group now for two years and this will be my third and final year since I am graduating in the Spring (pray for me Comps are coming up!) I truly believe that feminism runs in my family and I was honestly born a feminist. I am an eternal optimist and call me crazy, but I really do think I can change the world. But together we can make a difference much faster! I am looking forward to my last semester at Trinity with the Women’s Student Action Coalition and I hope you’ll join us in our fight against all forms of inequality.

Over the next week each WSAC member is going to introduce themselves to our blogging community. Since We’ve been reading about Lynn lately (one of our programmers) the following is the first biography.
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Hey everyone! My name is Lynn Blake, I’m from a Boston suburb, and I’m a political science major. I’m also one of two programmers for WSAC, a member of College Democrats executive board, and a proud member of the Gold Class! As soon as I got on campus, I knew that WSAC was an opportunity to meet some really empowering women and a way to change my community. It turns out that my instincts were right. Since the semester began, we’ve been a part of a lot of really incredible events on and off campus. Varying from the Stop Modern Slavery walk to last week’s Take Back the Night rally, WSAC is undoubtedly one of the most active clubs on campus. I want to encourage everyone to come to WSAC’s events, even if you don’t identify as a feminist. All of our events are focused on the rights of women, and that’s something that impacts all of our lives.

I’ve been watching these documentary episodes since they began airing in the beginning of October, and I can’t describe to you how much of an impact they have made of me. I have never seen anything quite like this series; it examines the roles of women in war & peace in such a unique way, and really inspires you to get up and do something.

Trailer

If you’re interested, definitely check out a few episodes.(or all 5!) I promise it’ll be worthwhile!

Full Episodes