What does feminism mean to you? If my rhetorical question made you want to put down this article, all the more reason to please keep reading. For some, the term feminism conjures images of crazed women running in circles burning bras, with bad hair, and — I’m just going to say it — trying to be men. To others, it inspires a nostalgic daydream, complete with heroic music trumpeting against the backdrop of an enormous waving flag and some famed women’s rights activist. Or perhaps you’re one of those people who truly feel no animosity towards the word but avoid it out of disinterest. Apathy is an emotion. Let’s set the word aside for now, not because I want to toss the cause – precisely the opposite. Without that word, which in certain circles has the distinct effect of chucking a football through a china shop with the accompanying gasps of horror, we can all agree. Even those of us who know the history, and those of who only think we do, are united by one cause.
Take a look around. Chances are that if you’re reading this, you have some respect or connection to Stern College for Women. Be it your place of employment, where you’re receiving your undergraduate degree, where your friends attend university, or where you turn for your news, you support the education of women and, in effect, women’s rights.
Allow me to take one step further. The Stern College for Women demographic is a unique pool of young Orthodox and Jewish women who will in their lifetimes face certain challenges specifically because we are Jewish, Orthodox, and women. In this place of study, introspection and preparation for our futures, don’t you want to know that there are several resources dedicated solely to exploring our unique place in the world? There are. Here’s one you should know about:
We are the Women’s Studies Society. The mission of the Women’s Studies Society is to promote awareness of issues facing women at large as well as the women on campus. We do this in hopes of enabling the student body to make informed decisions and think critically about the various roles they’ll play. If calling us ‘feminist’ makes you uncomfortable, don’t. Spare the term. Save the concept. Whatever you call us, understand that we are here to facilitate necessary and productive conversation that will aid the Stern campus in their journey towards the future and awareness as women.
In hopes of achieving just that, the WSS hosted several events in the last two semesters. Peggy Orenstein, author of the New York Time’s bestseller Cinderella Ate My Daughter, joined us to discuss her findings about the industry take over of little girls’ understanding of their femininity. In an interfaith panel we discussed the ethical challenges of abortion in our event dubbed When Life Begins. In another event, Birthing in the Modern World, a panel of birthing specialist including a birthing sociologist and a midwife shared their perspectives and experiences. With the Girl Effect event we witnessed just how much ‘the wisdom of women builds her home’ when a UN relief worker shared her experiences working with communities in third world countries to educate women.
The WSS is already busy planning a full year of events to continue the streak of informative exposés. We’ll host events that take apart the media perversion of women’s self image, women in the workforce and the shifting demographic of women’s earnings. Additionally we’ll continue to bring you events that discuss familial issues like miscarriages and the support groups that exist for such loss. These are just a few of the events and topics we’re going to cover. But there is more. The WSS is fortunate this year to have our own special place in the Observer. We will use the column keep you informed about our events, women’s issues in the limelight and even review a book surrounding the cause. We invite you follow the column, come to our events and participate in the conversation.
The WSS isn’t here to preach on some soapbox or flagrantly disregard the status quo. We’re here to be a source of support and open discussion for the women of Stern as we move through our undergraduate journey together. Hopefully what we learn together will carry us through many a life experience.