Unsung Voices in Women’s History

By Alexandra Samuels, a KSU Women’s Center Writing Intern

As we head into April it is important to take time and reflect back on Women’s History Month. The theme for the month was “unsung voices,” which aimed to bring to light different women whose stories you might not know or were not given proper credit. At the Women’s Center during March, we focused on gender equity and what that looks like in different cultures, represented through posters and events. On International Women’s Day we also highlighted international students by having a discussion about what it is like to be a woman in their home country. Looking back on the month I wanted to include a few important women in history that you may not know about whose contributions greatly affected our present day lives.

Claudette Colvin

(Fusfoo, 2009)

Born in 1939 in Alabama, Colvin was raised in a fairly poor area which ultimately inspired her to study hard in school. She got good grades and was known as a great student, even aspiring to one day become president. On March 2, 1955, when Colvin was only 16 years old, she was riding the public bus home from high school in Montgomery, Alabama. When the bus driver asked her to give up her seat for a white person, she refused stating “It’s my constitutional right to sit here as much as that lady. I paid my fare, it’s my constitutional right.” Despite her efforts she was arrested for various charges but was thankfully let out of jail when her minister paid her bail. When later asked about the incident she said, “I felt like Sojourner Truth was pushing down on one shoulder and Harriet Tubman was pushing down on the other—saying ‘Sit down girl!’ I was glued to my seat.” During her court hearing she pleaded “not guilty” and was given probation.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) considered using her case to challenge segregation laws, however they ultimately did not since she was still underage. This important mark in civil rights history occurred nine months before the more famous incident with Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus system, yet many people still do not know about it. This is partially due to the fact that she was still a minor, however the event altered her life greatly. Her reputation afterwards made it difficult to find a job, and later even resulted in her dropping out of college due to social pressure. In 1956 she was able to continue her activism by being one of four plaintiffs in the Browder v. Gayle case which came to the conclusion that segregation on the bus was unconstitutional, and now illegal.

Rosalind Franklin

(Britannica, 2019)

Born in London, England in 1920, Rosalind Franklin was infatuated with science and knew since she was only 15 years old that she wanted to pursue a career in science. She received her education from various schools, but most notably from North London Collegiate School where she excelled at science. In 1938 she enrolled in Newnham College in Cambridge where she studied chemistry. Three years later she was awarded Second Class Honors in her finals, which at the time was accepted/equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Following her graduation, she went to work as an assistant officer at the British Coal Utilisation Research Association where she studied the porosity of coal, which would later become the basis for her thesis while earning her Ph.D. After years of studying coal, she received a position at the Laboratoire Central des Services Chimiques de l’Etat in Paris where she worked with crystallographer Jacques Mering. It was here that she learned about X-ray diffraction, which would aid in her most famous discovery.

After completing her work with the laboratory in Paris, she began working as a research assistant at the King’s College London in biophysics. It was here that she made her most famous discovery after refining an X-ray machine and applying 100 hours of exposure to DNA. She was able to capture two forms of DNA, which had not been discovered yet, an A dry form, and a B wet form. However, her colleague Maurice Wilkins disclosed the image to a rival scientist, both later releasing the information as their own. When being featured in an article with Nature, they did not give her any credit towards the discovery and later won a Nobel Prize for her work. After being discouraged from researching DNA she began studying at Birkbeck College, focusing on RNA and the tobacco mosaic virus. Eventually she would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer but would live for two more years and continue her work until weeks before her death.

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera

(Historynavigator, 2020)

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were both founders of the transgender movement, protesting during a time where bars could not serve alcohol to LGBTQ+ people and cross dressing was criminalized. Johnson was born in 1945 in New Jersey and reportedly started wearing dresses around age 5 but stopped due to pressure from other children. Later after graduating high school, she moved to New York City with only a bag of clothes and $15 to her name. She was often homeless and would partake in sex work and drag shows for money. Her original drag name was Black Marsha but later she settled on Marsha P Johnson, the P standing for “pay it no mind,” which was often her response when asked about her gender.

Rivera was born in New York City in 1951, her mother passing away when she was only 3 years old, resulting in her being raised by her Venezuelan grandmother. She began to experiment with makeup and clothes at a young age which led to both physical and verbal abuse at home. At the age of 11 she left home and began living on 42nd street, also engaging in sex work for money.

Johnson met Rivera in 1963 when she was already an established drag queen in the LGBTQ+ community. She eventually coined the name “Drag Mother ” for helping struggling and homeless youth on the streets of New York City. The two of them would later become prominent figures in the Stonewall Inn riots of 1969 when residents and patrons of the bar fought back against a police raid. Luckily, a year later the first gay pride parade was held in New York City, which both Johnson and Rivera attended. Johnson would later help Rivera found STAR: Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries, which advocated for transgender rights and would give food and shelter to homeless youth.

As part of the Gay Activist Alliance (GAA), Rivera would help pass a gay rights bill in New York. She even got arrested while climbing the walls of City Hall in her heels. However, a few short years later the GAA dropped transgender concerns because they wished for “easier assimilation.” This outraged Rivera who felt like she was now part of a subculture of a subculture, stating “when things started getting more mainstream, it was like, ‘we don’t need you anymore.'” She wanted to fight harder, now more than ever, and even warned “Hell hath no fury like a drag queen scorned.” They were both consequently banned from the 1973 gay pride parade, so in defiance and protest they marched ahead of the parade.

Their friendship started to dwindle when Rivera moved to Tarrytown, New York, leaving Johnson in New York City where she continued fighting for equal rights. Johnson later joined the street activist group ACT UP in the 80s to bring awareness to the growing AIDS epidemic. During a 1992 interview she revealed that she had tested HIV positive two years prior but continued strong. That same year her body was found in the Hudson River with the cause of death still unknown.

This prompted Rivera to return to New York City where she founded Transy House in Brooklyn, a transgender collective that gave support and shelter to other trans, gender fluent, and non-binary people. This was opened in Johnson’s memory and gave commemoration to her and her achievements. In 2001 Rivera resurrected STAR, now changing the T from transvestite to the more accepted term transgender, and would go on to fight for the New York transgender bill. After passing in 2002, her legacy is continued as she was the first transgender activist to have her image in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.

References

Biography.com Editors. (2021, March 26). Claudette Colvin Biography. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/activists/claudette-colvin.

Biography.com Editors. (2020, June 15). Rosalind Franklin Biography. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/scientists/rosalind-franklin. 

Bertram, C. (2022, Jan. 28). Inside Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera’s Friendship. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/activists/marsha-p-johnson-sylvia-rivera-friendship.

Fusfoo. (2009). Living Legends: Claudette Colvin [photograph]. https://www.fusfoo.com/article/4223/Living-Legends-Claudette-Colvin.html.

Britannica. (2019). Rosalind Franklin [photograph]. https://www.britannica.com/explore/100women/profiles/rosalind-franklin. 

Historynavigator. (2020). Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera: Activists [photograph]. https://historynavigator.org/2020/06/15/marsha-p-johnson-and-sylvia-rivera-activists/.

Respect Your Mother: The Ties between Gender & Climate Change

By Women’s Center Intern Hannah Toth

The global climate change crisis has been dramatically affecting the quality of life on planet Earth, and if there isn’t active change soon, we may not be able to live sustainably for much longer. Climate change is the long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. These changes are natural but have been exacerbated by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, which produce greenhouse gases that are toxic to our environment. 

Climate change affects everyone. However, the climate crisis further impacts the social inequities that women face in our culture today. Global climate justice cannot be achieved without acknowledging the vast disparities between men and women in the world. This is where the term Ecofeminism is born.

Ecofeminism is a movement that highlights the relationships between women and nature, specifically the oppression of women through climate change. For example, Indigenous women and women in poor, rural communities are the most negatively affected by climate change. When disaster strikes, these women are the first to be displaced, which can lead to poverty, homelessness, abuse, and disease. Why? In many countries, gender parity is non-existent, which leads to gender inequity in all areas of life, especially where wealth and quality of life are concerned. 

Let’s examine specific examples and statistics of the dangers women face throughout this climate crisis. The first is food insecurity, which over 690 million people worldwide deal with right now. 60% of those 690 million are women and girls. Why? There are many reasons, but the first is the systemic issues leading to this grave disparity. In many countries, women are still not allowed to own their land despite making up over 40% of the global agricultural labor force. Not being able to own their land is a further method of keeping women inferior to men.

On top of that, women are often the first to give up their rations to feed their children or other loved ones. Also, women have increasingly been taking on most of the work with child care and the cost of family care. Mothers spend a large portion of their money on child care and supporting their families, which becomes increasingly complex in countries where women are not paid equally nor given the same high-income jobs or opportunities that men will receive. That lack of pay directly affects food security and what mothers can eat and provide for their children. As the climate worsens, finding safe food and adequate resources becomes harder.

Poverty and access to resources are another core issue that contributes to the inequity of women in the world. Over two billion people worldwide lack access to clean water at home, so people often go out independently to collect water from another source. Many women travel daily to gather water and food and care for livestock or other duties that American women may not always consider. It is imperative to recognize the fight of less advanced and privileged countries than our own, though the battle to adequate food and resources is present in every country. A report by UN Women found that by 2050, climate change may push over 150 million women and girls into poverty. Remember that this often means displaced children who are put into unsafe conditions and separated from their families. 

Violence against women, whether physical or mental, is another alarming statistic that grows substantially with the climate crisis. For example, catastrophic weather events like the heavy drought in Kenya in 2022 are an example of when the crisis harms women through malnutrition and dehydration. At the same time, physical violence like child marriage and female genital mutilation are at a much higher rate due to women becoming vulnerable to climate change displacement. The train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, is an example close by that affected the water we drink and use every single day. Women and girls also face more discrimination in supply and aid distribution, resulting in women missing out on resources or education to help understand how to aid their situations. 

So, with all of this being said, how can you help in your community and everyday life? A sustainable life is not easy in a very unsustainable country; however, implementing more minor things every day can do a lot toward reaching climate change and justice. For one, take public transportation or walk to your destination when you can. Try your best to reduce waste and overconsumption of products you use every day. Avoid throwing away massive amounts of food and buying from fast fashion. 

Remember to always push for a gender-responsive approach to climate change, which must be integrated into environmental policymaking at all levels. Without first acknowledging the inequities women face around the globe, we cannot change issues like climate change. 

Women’s History Month at the Women’s Center

By Women’s Center Intern, Hannah Toth

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we want to highlight some of the amazing events that took place this month. Women’s rights are constantly evolving and vary from country to country, which is why it is so important to include multiple voices and perspectives when working toward gender equity. Freedom for women can not happen without including all women. Or, in the words of Civil Rights Activist Fannie Lou Hammer, “Nobody’s free until everyone’s free.” 

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On March 8th, which is also International Women’s Day, the Women’s Center held an event at the Center for Undergraduate Excellence in collaboration with the Gerald H. Read Center, Office of Global Education, Office of International Student Affairs, and Community Engaged Learning. This event celebrated and highlighted women internationally and included a panel of 5 women from different countries to share their experiences as a woman in their country.

The panelists were Dr. Muazzam Abdu representing Uzbekistan, Mercy Omohoro representing Nigeria, Dr. Vaneet Kaur representing India, Ogulkeyik Hudayberdiyeva representing Turkmenistan, and Chanpanha (Panha) Kea representing Cambodia. The panel facilitator, Namrah Khan, was also an international student from India. Ms. Khan asked each panelist questions that allowed attendees to learn a bit more about gender equity in countries outside of America.

Dr. Vaneet Kaur, Mercy Omohorro, Dr. Muazzam Abdu, Chanpanha (Panha) Kea, Ogulkeyik Hudayberdiyeva

The event also included over twenty tri-fold presentations representing feminism and women in a specific country. For example, Women’s Center intern Andrea Bonamico presented on Cambodia, delving into the country’s challenges and advancements and powerful women inspiring change.

The goal of this event was not only to celebrate women on International Women’s Day but also to educate attendees about the many different cultures and countries that are advancing in equity beyond America and countries that are still struggling to find parity like America.

After the panel, the Women’s Center collaborated with Days for Girls in Solon for a service project, where donated materials like fabric were used to create sustainable menstruation products for women who otherwise may not have access to them.

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On March 13th, the Women’s Center and Women’s Studies held a community gathering at the Williamson House to connect with the center, friends, and colleagues. This event is held each semester to help break down barriers and foster collaboration between academic and co-curricular departments on campus. We enjoyed light refreshments and quality discussions of the semester’s upcoming events. 

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On March 15th, the Women’s Center facilitated an AAUW Salary Negotiation Meeting for interns and staff to educate about the gender pay gap and explore ways to take action. We discussed interviews, job hunting, negotiation techniques, and how gender has affected participants as individuals in the workplace. That evening, we hosted the Transformation Closet Style Swap in collaboration with KSRUGE, the LGBTQ+ Center, and the Office of Sustainability. For that event, the Women’s Center transformed the Williamson House into gender inclusive and affirming thrift store with plenty of free clothes to look through and take home! We also had dressing rooms, a photo booth, and a mocktail bar for refreshments while shopping. We received nearly 200 clothing pieces and watched many attendees walk out with bags full of clothes! 

We held this event in preparation for closing our Transformation Closet at the end of April. Career Closets will continue to be located at the College of Business and Career Exploration and Development at the Michael Schwarz Center. 

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On March 21st, two Women’s Center interns, Mallory Good and Andrea Bonamico, presented our March Gather and Giveback about the HB 68 House Bill and Trans rights. They presented with guest speakers on the dangers the HB 68 House Bill will have on healthcare and Trans individuals. They also provided information on how to help advocate for Trans individuals and prevent harmful laws from being passed. There was also an activity where attendees created pride pronoun bracelets with colorful beads and letters to express themselves freely. 

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We concluded the month with our first annual G.E.A.R Awards. The G.E.A.R Awards (Gender, Equity, Advocacy, and Representation) celebrate and elevate individuals on campus and part of the community who are constantly advocating for gender equity and social change. The first award ceremony took place on March 19th at the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center. We were able to honor many awardees and nominees in person while hearing from Keynote speaker and Women’s Center program coordinator Sonia Karkare, who shared her inspiring stories of leadership and representation throughout her life. 

Keynote Speaker – Sonia Karkare

The G.E.A.R Awards included five nomination categories: Staff, Faculty, Students, Alumni, and Community. All nominees were recognized, and winners were honored with a presentation of their awards at the event. The winners highlighted many different areas and opportunities to advocate for gender equity. Staff winner Amy Densevich is from the Academic Services, Athletics department, making incredible strides toward gender equity in Athletics. Faculty winners Suzanne Holt, Women’s Studies, and Dr. Charmaine Crawford, Africana Studies, are two women who are actively teaching classes and students who are seeking change and growth in the world. Community winner Cathy Hackney is an integral part of the American Association of University Women, which is a non-profit organization with the goal of empowering and advocating for women and girls. Student winners Sohela Rojas– a core part of student organization KSURGE– and Ruth Miller and Haley Dees– President and Event Coordinator of Women in Engineering– are three students who are using their four years at KSU to champion groups at Kent State that are often underrepresented. Each one of these individuals is making a difference in their communities, which moves a gear, promoting the movement of the next. 

Guest award presenters included Dr. Talea Drummer Ferrell, Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (the first Black Woman Dean of Students at Kent State), Kristin Williams, Director of Career Services at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business (collaborator and co-facilitator on the AAUW Salary Negotiation Workshops), and Tiera Moore (Local School Board Member and KSU Alum).

Also presented at this event was the Heather Adams Impact Award in honor of the former Executive Director of the Women and Gender Center and her work with gender equity and supporting survivors of power-based personal violence. Jennie O’Connell, Director of the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services, presented this year’s award to Christopher Jenkins, Assistant Director of Public Safety and Assistant Chief of Police. She also took this opportunity to recognize Dr. Joanne Dowdy, a retired faculty member who received the award in 2020 but was unable to be recognized at the event that year due to the pandemic. 

Events like these are necessary to recognize those who are encouraging change within our communities and the world. Without honoring and appreciating the people who often go unrecognized, more people are able to gain inspiration through their stories and efforts, moving to the next gear and the next…

The Women’s Center’s mission is to advocate, educate, and empower those willing to learn and join the movement toward gender parity. Women’s History Month is a month full of opportunities to truly emphasize the overlooked work that women around the world and within the community of Kent are doing. 

Haley Dees, Ruth Miller, Tiera Moore, and Sohaela Rojas

Black-Led Non-Profit Organizations

As Black History Month comes to a close, we decided to highlight some Black-owned and led organizations that are doing amazing work for their communities. These organizations have been doing transformative work and advocating for racial justice in all areas, ensuring that equity is achieved. Each of these organizations started out of needs that were not being met or even acknowledged. These groundbreaking Black Women saw these disparities and decided to advocate, educate, and empower those around them to fight for equity.

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SisterLove Inc. was founded in 1989 and started as a small volunteer group in Atlanta. Their goal was to educate people, especially women, about HIV prevention and safe sex, as well as ensure that everyone has access to safe reproductive care.

Founder and President of SisterLove, Dázon Dixon Diallo, is an advocate for sexual and reproductive justice and heavily supports communities of women and girls living with, or at risk for, HIV and STDs. Dr. Diallo is also a co-chair of the Act Now: End AIDS National Coalition and a founding member of SisterSong Reproductive Justice Collective. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has faced many trials and tribulations throughout her very powerful career.

At the start, the mission of SisterLove was to instill preventative education and outreach to women of color in Atlanta. Since then, their mission has become broader and encompasses all marginalized communities and individuals struggling with HIV or STIs. SisterLove offers the “Healthy Love Experience,” which maintains the mission of preventative education, providing resources and assistance, as well as reaching out to the community. SisterLove also has a community-based research program that collaborates with both research partners and community members to gather community-based research. This research helps understand the boundaries put in place and how marginalized communities can overcome them. SisterLove also offers the Policy and Advocacy Program, which has many moving parts that all go toward fighting reproductive laws from the grassroots up. This policy entails engaging with federal and state agencies, building connections within the community, and collaborating with other organizations and people to help spread their message. 

SisterLove is the first HIV advocacy group created for women and has since done groundbreaking work. Donate and learn more about SisterLove here.

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Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC) is another non-profit organization created in the Glenville neighborhood by African American-trained Perinatal Support Persons (PSP) in 2014. BBC’s mission is to provide an agency for training, certifying, and employing PSPs (and doulas) who serve women at risk for infant death. Through education, engagement, and activism, BBC  provides perinatal support, birth and breastfeeding options, and so much more to communities at risk for infant mortality in their communities. BBC aims to address health’s social, structural, and economic determinants and promote health equity amongst all races, communities, and genders. Since its creation, Birthing Beautiful Communities has served more than 1,000 mothers in Northeast Ohio.

Jazmin Long, the CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities, will join the Anti-Racism and Equity Institute at Kent State in a discussion of her work and lunch on March 13th from 12:00-1:00 PM. Ms. Long received the Innovator of the Year Award in 2023 and continues to work toward a more equitable world for Black mothers and infants. Long continues her work at BBC as well as being a teacher and activist who is constantly advocating for positive change. 

Learn more about Birthing Beautiful Communities and the outstanding work they’ve accomplished since 2014 here. 

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The final organization highlighted in this piece is Black Women for Wellness (BBW), an NPO in Los Angeles, California, started by six black women. BBW envisions a future when Black women and girls are able to use all their power, education, and resources to attain healthy, stable family lives. BBW’s mission is to build and sustain communities and empower the women within those communities to improve their quality of life. 

The six black women who founded Black Women for Wellness are Akua Jitahadi, Moyofune Deas Balewa, Shquestra Sitaw, Janette Robinson Flint, Ndoni Forbes, and Claudie Kiti Bustamante. Janette Robinson Flint serves as the current Executive Director of BBW, and she is also a member of the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice, the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, and In Our Own Voice, a national coalition of Black women advocating for reproductive justice. She is a pefect example of the endless amount of Black women who are taking great strides toward equitable and sustainable communities for everyone. 

Visit here to learn more about the various programs Black Women for Wellness offers and to see all the groundbreaking work they’ve already accomplished.

Highlighting Impactful Black Women: Then and Now

Written by Hannah Toth, Women’s Center Intern

In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight some impactful, powerful Black women who paved the way for future generations and fought for human rights. We often hear about the powerful Black men who used their voices to fight for the Black community, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. These men absolutely fought mercilessly, and their hard work is heavily admired and appreciated. However, their were women behind the scenes, specifically during the Civil Rights Movement, that helped amplify Black men and their messages.  

Ida B. Wells is a Black Woman who passionately wrote about the injustices Black people were facing, including the lynching of her three friends. Wells wrote exposés about the violence in the South. Despite the dangers of speaking out against what was happening in America, Ida continued to publish what was going on. She was punished and silenced in many ways but never stopped fighting. She was instrumental in the success of the Civil Rights Movement as she helped block the establishment of segregation in Chicago schools. She also founded the Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago, which fought for Black suffrage. Ida B. Wells’s work during the Civil Rights Movement and beyond laid a foundation for Black women, encouraging them to use their voices in the powerful ways she did. 

Another notable Civil Rights activist is Maya Angelou, a talented Black woman. Maya Angelou was a singer, actress, and Hollywood’s first-ever Black female director, but most of her fame came from her writing, which includes essays, memoirs, playwrights, and poems. Many don’t know that Angelou worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X to fight for Civil Rights. She escaped a life of poverty, racism, and violence– which she writes about in her novel I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing- and published novels that show the heartbreaking trauma and pain that Black children in America were actively dealing with. Despite efforts to ban the book due to its candid discussion of racism, the novel transcends time and is still an extremely impactful read. Angelou has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony, and she won several Grammys for her music and poetry. 

Bessie Coleman is another example of a Black woman who changed history for the better. She was the first ever Black woman to hold a pilot’s license, and she fought against sexism and racism to reach her dream of becoming a pilot. Coleman faced much rejection for not only being Black, but also a woman. After she received her license, she had the opportunity to fly around the world. Her legacy lives on as she opened so many doors for women. 

There are so many integral Black women in American history who do not receive nearly enough representation or appreciation for the tireless work they put into fighting for Black people to be treated equally. Because of these women (and many more), Black women today are able to perform in collegiate sports, hold political positions, vote, and work any job they desire. There are many Black women today who continue to prove that Black women are an integral part of society and deserve to be celebrated, appreciated, and recognized. 

Tarana Burke is one example of a Black woman today who is doing amazing work in marginalized communities. Burke is the founder of the Me Too movement and an activist. Burke’s #MeToo movement encouraged thousands of sexual assault victims to feel safe and comfortable enough to discuss sexual violence enacted on them. The goal of MeToo is to encourage women to speak up for themselves, as Burke believes that “empowerment through empathy is the best way to support one another.” The movement led to a deeper understanding of sexual violence globally and helped millions of victims find a community in which they feel safe. Tarana Burke’s work as an activist has undoubtedly left a lasting mark, and she continues to advocate and educate around the country. 

Oprah Winfrey is another notable Black woman whose career has shown that anything a white man can do, a woman can do just as well. There’s no doubt that Opray Winfrey’s career has stood the test of time, as her career has been extremely successful and groundbreaking for decades. Not only does she have the highest-rated talk show of its kind, but she is also a philanthropist, actress, writer, CEO, and businesswoman. Winfrey has many accomplishments to her name, including being a Golden Globe-winning actress, but her charity work is by far the most impressive, as she provides opportunities for millions of people. Winfrey founded the Leadership Academy for Girls for academically gifted girls from impoverished communities to get the education they need. LAG is only one example of the many philanthropic things Winfrey has done over the course of her career. Because of this, Oprah Winfrey became the first African American female billionaire. 

The final Black woman highlighted in this article is Simone Biles. Simone Biles is the highest-decorated gymnast of all time with over 30 medals and the first female gymnast to win seven national all-around titles. She has made history in the Olympics and continues to train and work hard to break records. She has even had a gymnastic skill named after her due to its difficulty. Biles struggled a lot with the pressure of the media and the world watching her, but she has always gotten back up and come back stronger. She is a great inspiration to not only Black women and athletes but young girls and women around the world. 

Black History Month is a time dedicated to celebrating the Black community and recognizing the battles that had to be fought for these women to shine brightly and succeed. Amplifying Black voices and all the work that has been done to get to this point is only a small way to show support and acknolwedgement of the adversity Black people have faced.

No More Stolen Sisters

By Hannah Toth

As November comes to a close, so does the month of people actively spreading the news about Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, or #MMIW. #MMIW is a movement dedicated to spreading the word about Native American women and girls around the world who are experiencing an increasingly high percentage of violence. MMIWUSA aims to protect and aid families that are impacted by this systemic violence done to Native people. This violence is taking place on and off the reservations, and it deserves to be acknowledged.

A symbol for the movement is a red handprint over the mouth, as pictured above. The hand is meant to symbolize the missing and murdered women whose voices are not heard or even acknowledged. That symbol, along with the hashtag #NoMoreStolenSister, are two popular messages promoting the movement. They are calling out the oppressive attitudes toward Native Women and people.

Why We Must Talk About MMIW

Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women experience such a large portion of violence and yet receive the least amount of coverage for these crimes. Indigenous women are targeted because of the racial stereotypes that are presented in our society, as well as the biased media. Native communities continue to be disempowered, and this directly causes native women and girls to become a target as dynamics within their communities shift. On top of that, there has been a lot of abandonment from government and police authorities in regard to protecting the NA communities. It was revealed by the Urban Indian Health Institute that there were 506 cases of missing or murdered indigenous women in nearly 70 cities. More than 150 cases were not listed in law enforcement databases.

Not only do indigenous women have to worry about this violence against their community, but they also have to worry about the lack of action from law enforcement and little to no media coverage. That’s why discussing these women and their stories is so important, no matter how many people you’re able to share them with. Voices are powerful, and the more people know about MMIW and the work they’re trying to accomplish, the more people will get involved and help with their efforts.

Statistics

Almost every Native American woman is guaranteed to experience some form of violence in her lifetime. Statistics say that for every 5 Native American women, 4 have experienced violence. The murder rate for NA women has risen to ten times the national average. MMIW has reached such a level of concern that murder is the 3rd leading cause of death amongst Native women. The youngest known victim was less than a year old, and the mean age of victims was around 28 years old. It was recorded that nearly 90% of MMIW cases are not reported by national or international news outlets. Many of these statistics can be shocking, but they’re necessary to hear to bring attention to what is happening.

What Can You Do?

No amount of help is “too little.” Where MMIW is concerned, spreading the word about the tragedies occurring is one of the most powerful ways to help. The media is often extremely silent when it comes to crimes against indigenous women, and social media is one of the most powerful tools to influence and educate others. Something as simple as a post with the hashtag is enough to spread the word and continue to remind people that this is still going on.

Research the victims and currently missing indigenous women and share their stories. Educate yourself on the signs of sex trafficking or endangered women. Sex traffickers often target girls as young as 12 years old. There is no discrimination of age, only the desire to harm Indigenous Women. Here are some tips to help spot signs of sex trafficking: paranoid/anxious, depressed, malnourished, doesn’t speak/make eye contact, bruises, cuts, etc. It’s not always safe to approach someone in this situation. If you can, ask if they’re okay and can leave, but most importantly, if you see something, say something.

There are many rallies and organizations that will accept your help gratefully! There is no shortage of opportunities to volunteer. Native Hope is an example of an organization whose goal is to bring awareness to the injustices occurring in Native communities. They also have a donation fund that is used to help break barriers, educate others, restore Native communities, and provide healing to those who have been affected by the widespread violence against Indigenous women.

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center is another very useful website that provides events you can attend, resources to further educate yourself, organizations you can donate to, and more.

Beyond what you can do alone, there are also two remembrance days that you can help promote. February 14th is MMIW National Day of Action and Awareness. May 5th is the official day of MMIW recognition, where people wear red and attend rallies, fundraisers, events, etc. These days are extremely important to raising awareness, which is why the promotion of these activities and events is very important. The use of hashtags (#MMIW and #NoMoreStolenSisters) is a great way to promote any events you may attend or actions you may take.

The more we promote and speak about MMIW, the less the media and law enforcement can ignore it. These cases should not and can not be brushed under the rug. It is time to listen to the voices that have been silenced for so long because they’re in real danger. No person’s life should be deemed as “less important” because of their religion, race, gender, or any other reason. We are all equal and deserve to be treated as such, in life and in death.

Gender Equity and the NCAA

By Hannah Toth

Since the start of college athletics, women have experienced a vast difference in funding, advertising, and opportunity. Gender equity, the equal opportunity for all individuals, is fundamental to a well-funded athletics program. Equality is no longer enough because although men and women have been given equal opportunity to engage in college athletics, it is not equitable, meaning women are not given the support or resources needed to succeed at the level their male peers can.

Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities. Although Title IX has allowed for leaps of progress to be made, women’s athletics teams are still struggling greatly due to the difference in support for men and women athletes.

Sexism in sports has long existed, and history cannot be erased, but due to this fact, institutionalized sexism can exist in all programs, especially in a male-dominated field. Many examples show the disparities between the treatment of male and female sports teams. For example, weight room facilities and locker rooms offer the mass difference between funding for each sport—seemingly “small” disparities, like facility quality, outrage activists for NCAA equity.

Statistically, the NCAA women’s budget in 2022 was around 26.8 million dollars, while the men’s budget was about 53.7 million dollars. That’s a thirty million difference, and 6.1 million dollars were said to be spent on equity improvements that same year. Since then, the NCAA has added women’s basketball to March Madness, and even the money paid for the championships held vast disparities. The women athletes in the March Madness tournament in Texas had an empty ballroom with a single rack of weights. An athlete filmed their “weight room,” which had little space and less equipment (left photo). The male athletes in the March Madness tournament had the opposite problem- a large room filled with equipment that an elite athlete should expect (right photo).

Providing men with better equipment, facilities, etc., while women receive the bare minimum is a prime example of equality vs. equity. Equality is passing Title IX and ensuring women receive the right to play sports regardless of gender. Equity provides a female athlete with the same resources as a male athlete in the same sport. At this time, gender equity is not present in the NCAA.

The excuse for these disparities is often that there “isn’t an audience for women’s sports,” resulting in miniscule TV coverage and promotional spending, resulting in less money. Only 3.2% of all sports media coverage is allocated to women’s sports, leaving minimal opportunity for people to devote the same amount of time to watching women play, which leads to fewer proceeds from TV/Media, where most profit for men’s sports comes from.

Despite Title IX being passed more than fifty years ago, women are still being paid less than men, female organizations are being treated poorly compared to their male peers, and promotional differences. It’s important to acknowledge these issues while recognizing women’s considerable strides in sports over the last fifty years. In 2022, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament broke a 20-year-old attendance record with 216,000+ people in attendance. More recently, the University of Nebraska’s women’s volleyball team broke an attendance record with 93,000+ people in attendance. It’s clear that people want to engage in women’s sports, yet less than five percent of women’s sports are shown on TV.

Female athletes want to feel supported just as their male peers. This is no longer a matter of “auidence” or “demand,” and more of sexism keeping its tight grip on the sports industry. There is more than enough funding to ensure it is distributed equally amongst teams. Weight room disparities are only the tip of the iceberg where sports inequity comes into play. Female athletes have long proven to be just as talented and exciting as male athletes. Yet, they don’t receive the same media attention and promotion, leaving sexism to linger. Addressing the gaps in funding between male and female sports teams is essential if the NCAA wants to continue the rise of female college athletes.

The Lasting Influence of Barbie

The newly released Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig, opens as a utopic dream world where sexism ceases to exist and feminism is the core of society. “Barbie Land” shows a world where every woman is treated as an essential part of the community, simultaneously holding positions of power and indulging in the hobbies women love. The dichotomy between Barbie Land and the real world is striking as Margot Robbie’s Barbie ventures into the real world. She sees men in suits at the most powerful positions rather than women holding those titles. The revelation that Barbie Land is nothing like the real world causes the film’s conflict as Robbie’s character spirals into questions about mortality and her place in the world. 

Beyond the plot, Greta Gerwig intended to bring a life, personality, and, most importantly, a touching story to the history of Barbie, even before the film. Ruth Handler, Barbie’s inventor, plays a small role that served a message essential to the story Gerwig intended to tell because she shows the history behind the doll and the intention Handler had when creating the doll– to bring children joy. To embrace girlhood. Gerwig’s love for Barbie starts at its core. Like many young girls, Gerwig played with the dolls as a kid and spoke fondly of those times in interviews. Over the years, the Barbie franchise released exclusive Barbie dolls for women of color and men- introducing Ken and many different kinds of dolls and accessories. Gerwig is fond of the Barbie franchise and brand, which is why she brought such a touching story to the screen while still incorporating endearing, witty dialogue. 

Female directors have done a lot of work over the years to garner the success directors like Gerwig are reaching now. A Chris Nolan film, Oppenheimer, was scheduled to release on the same day and was another highly anticipated film for 2023. Barbie surpassed Oppenheimer, and every other opening weekend in sales for 2023, with $162 million at the box office. The largest opening weekend sales for a female directed movie.

Seeing a film written for women, directed by women, and starring talented, award-winning actresses is a massive inspiration for young girls seeking out these dreams. Many female directors have not been taken seriously or are overlooked by the entertainment industry. For a Gerwig film aimed toward a majority female demographic to outsell one of the most anticipated films of the year, directed by a highly successful male director, is not a small feat. Barbie is a film that directly tackles misogyny and its implications while also speaking to a softer side of women– the relationships with the women in their lives. It is a gentle reminder to love your mother, to be kind to yourself and those you love, and to remind yourself that you’re capable of anything. 

The success of the Barbie film will encourage other female filmmakers to follow Gerwig’s lead and tackle films about the female experience because the audience is there, and those stories deserve to be told. It is a gentle reminder that there is an audience interested in the female experience. Gerwig has also made other films more catered to a female demographic. Her film Lady Bird touches on the highly complex relationship between a mother and a daughter and the harrowing journey of growing up as a teenager in a different time from our parents. These types of films have been around quite often for men. Male directors often cater to a male audience and male issues, so there is no shortage of relatable content for men and boys. Also, male directors usually try to create films about women and miss the mark, instead making the idealistic version of a woman from a man’s point of view. This can be dangerous for impressionable young people because they will adopt these ideas or perceptions about women.

The rise of female-directed films, literature, music, etc., will undoubtedly help the younger generations of girls and women understand pieces of themselves and their stories more. Media is so powerful, especially in the younger generation, which is why Barbie can help a young girl, a teenager, a mother, a grandmother; no matter the age, women can watch this film and feel heard and seen. Specific movies and books do well because people relate to the story. People love to be heard, especially by someone with a voice loud enough to speak to a mass audience and share inspiring stories. Watching a film like Barbie, recognizing the beauty of a world where women are free to acknowledge their dreams without the pressure of the male gaze, inspires young women to look for their place in the world. This movie has helped women of all ages reconnect with their girlhood, embracing all the little childhood moments and memories with the women in their lives. 

Everyone seeks to be heard and understood, especially when opinions are shared more than facts and negativity is spread across the media. It is so easy for young social media users to allow the posts seen on social media, sometimes sexist or misogynistic, to subconsciously form their thoughts about women and men. With the entertainment industry being heavily male-populated, like all, it’s essential to elevate directors and writers like Greta Gerwig, who seek to share the honesty of the female experience.

The Reproductive Justice Movement

By Alexandra Samuels, a KSU Women’s Center Writing Intern

The reproductive justice movement has been making strides to combat inequity and emphasize the voices of minority groups for 29 years. The movement was founded in 1994 by a group of twelve Black women who wanted to promote education around other social issues that affect reproductive health. Other cultural communities were involved with the making of this movement including Indigenous peoples, African Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans, and the LGBTQ+ community. The purpose was to center the most marginalized, address oppression, analyze power systems, and join with other social movement organizations for support. They also wished to focus on factors that limit healthcare including immigration status, sexuality, race, income, and gender identification.

As the Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice organization states, “We believe reproductive justice is the complete physical, mental, spiritual, political, economic, and social well-being of women and girls, and will be achieved when women and girls have the economic, social, and political power and resources to make healthy decisions about our bodies, sexuality, and reproduction for ourselves, our families, and our communities in all areas of our lives.”

Sister Song, a multiracial reproductive justice organization, also comments on reproductive justice stating: “This framework is really about intersectionality and human rights and having a more expanded conversation that includes the totality of our lives, in particular as people of color and folks who have historically been pushed to the margins in this country.”

Reproductive justice also looks at other factors that affect how children are raised. This ranges from addressing incarceration rates, neighborhoods, police brutality, and environmental issues. The movement was initially created in response to the reproductive rights movement in the 1970s where women of color, people with low income, disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community felt marginalized since the movement primarily focused on white women and pro-life, pro-choice debates. There were also still racist stigmas associated with Black women, which was found on over 200 billboards in the state of New York. These anti-abortion billboards had racist depictions and even included sayings like “The most dangerous place for a Black person is in the womb.”

The United States has a long history with forced sterilization that was aimed mostly at working class Black women, Native American women, Puerto Ricans, immigrants, convicts, and mental health institution patients. Even during the year Roe v. Wade was passed, 25% of Indigenous women were forcibly sterilized. These issues inspired the creation of Sister Song, one of the first nonprofit organizations to promote reproductive justice. Sister Song advocates access to abortion services, contraceptives, sex ed, prevention and care for STIs, adequate prenatal and pregnancy care, good wages to support families, domestic violence assistance, and safe homes/environment for families.

A large problem that reproductive justice confronts is the lack of access. Many different organizations state that “access is key” and should be offered to everyone regardless of their race, economic status, gender, immigration status, or sexual orientation. Access refers to different aspects including access to sexual education, contraception, maternal healthcare, freedom from sexual violence, and feminine healthcare checkups. Another factor that could affect access is the ability to travel to get the care that you need. What if someone works full time and is unable to take time off work? Or, what if they do not own a car and there are no longer care facilities near them? According to the May 2022 Lending Club survey, approximately 64% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. This does not leave a lot of extra spending money for someone who has a family or receives a lower income.

Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that women who do not have access to reliable transportation, affordable groceries, and safe public spaces are more likely to have issues with maternal health than women who have access to these resources. The CDC also found that racial segregation in residential areas is one of the leading causes of racial socioeconomic disparities, as well as unequal access to healthcare for people of color. Another study conducted by the CDC shows the current Pregnancy Related Mortality Ratio (PRMR) for different races, which concluded that the rate of pregnancy related deaths is three times higher for Black women than it is for white women.

In terms of immigration there are many factors that prohibit individuals from obtaining proper healthcare. A large issue immigrants face is that they are unable to qualify for insurance (including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Plan) until they have been a citizen for at least five years. Many immigration detention centers will also deny an abortion, even if the pregnancy could be fatal, and have reportedly forced sterilization onto people detained in the center. Cities that are very immigrant populous have been struggling since the overturn of Roe v. Wade and the decrease of accessible care. Most planned parenthood facilities also offer checkups for women including STI checks and breast cancer screenings. This decrease in access leaves women who have immigrated to the United States with few options in the five-year span of being uninsured.

Another key issue that reproductive justice recognizes is a need for proper sexual education. The CDC has a guideline of twenty topics that they recommend being taught in the public-school curriculum, which only 43% of high schools in the country follow. Some states, including Texas, only offer their public schools one textbook which solely teaches abstinence. Ohio, more specifically Cuyahoga County, has a health curriculum which also stresses abstinence and is often shaming, teaching an extreme risk of contracting an STI if you partake in premarital sexual activity. Only 33% of all high schools in Ohio teach the recommended twenty topics from the CDC, while only 7.2% of schools teaching grades 6-8 teach the topics.

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) conducts studies every couple of years to better understand if high school students are sexually active, and if they are, whether they can or do use contraceptives. The 2019 study shows that 38% of all high schoolers have had sexual encounters, increasing by grade, resulting in 56% of all seniors in high school having sexual relations. The report shows that this percentage did not change since 2015 and has been fairly consistent each time the study has been done. Of the 38% of high schoolers, only 54% have reported practicing safe sex and have used condoms. 31% reported also using backup methods like birth control. While condom use rates have increased in Northern states, Southern states have a lower percentage of condom use and a higher rate of sexual activity.

Reproductive justice also looks at how a child is brought up, if their environment is stable, and what their neighborhood looks like. An unfortunate reality is that the number of children in the foster care system has been continually increasing since the system was developed. Some reasons a child ends up in the foster care system includes the death of their parents, neglect, abuse, parental incarceration, drug abuse, or their parents willingly giving them up. On any given day there are approximately 440,000 children circulating the system, while more than 670,000 experience it annually. Generally, children that enter the system are under the age of five (48%) which is one of the most developmental points in a child’s life. They are often left feeling scared and alone since they are unable to fully understand the situation. 25% of people who have been in foster care experience PTSD, which is twice as high as United States veterans. Many also experience other mental health problems like anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression due to their unstable childhood.

In 2021 there were a total of 606,000 children who circulated the system. Of this, 215,000 exited the system, while only 54,200 of the 215,000 were adopted. Some reasons children leave the system include aging out (turning 18), death, adoption, emancipation, running away, transferring to another system, being reunited with a caregiver, or living with relatives. 20% of those who age out of the system will be instantly homeless, generally also being left with a lack of work experience, education, and a higher risk for health issues.

These issues are all problems that the reproductive justice movement has been striving to alleviate. The movement wants to empower women’s health and increase education about other issues like proper/affordable healthcare, sexual education, and how the environment affects these. While this was only skimming the surface of what the movement covers, more can be learned on Sister Song’s website, as well as ways you can get involved. According to Sister Song, in order to combat injustice and promote equity we must analyze power systems and address the ongoing battle of oppression. Bringing forward the most marginalized people and listening to their voices is key to ensuring a future where everyone is equal.

References

Ross, L. J., Roberts, L., Derkas, E., Peoples, W., Toure, P. B. (Eds). (2017). Radical Reproductive Justice. The Feminist Press at the City University of New York.

Maddow-Zimmet, I., Kost, K. (2021, March). Pregnancies, Births, and Abortions in the United States, 1973-2017: National and State Trends by Age. Guttmacher. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/pregnancies-births-abortions-in-united-states-1973-2017.

Douglas-Hall, A., Li, N., Kavanaugh, M. (2020, December). State-Level Estimates of Contraceptive Use in the United States, 2019. Guttmacher. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/state-level-estimates-contraceptive-use-in-us-2019.

Lindberg, L., Pleasure, H., Douglas-Hall, A. (2020, December). Assessing State-Level Variations in High School Students’ Sexual and Contraceptive Behavior: The 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys. Guttmacher. https://www.guttmacher.org/report/youth-risk-behavior-surveys-2019.

Siecus. (2021, May 21). Ohio State Profile. https://siecus.org/state_profile/ohio-state-profile/#:~:text=Sex%20education%20is%20mandated%20in%20Ohio%20and%20schools,violence%20prevention%2C%20and%20personal%20safety%20and%20assault%20prevention.

Zelinski, A. (2021, November 15). The Latest Chapter in the Texas Culture Wars: Education and Textbooks. The 74. https://www.the74million.org/article/the-latest-chapter-in-the-texas-culture-wars-sex-education-and-textbooks/.

Flores, C. (2022, October 12). After Roe, Abortion Collectives Along the US-Mexico Border are at Greater Risk. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2022/10/12/23387280/abortion-us-mexico-border-collectives-risk-roe-wade.

Ahmed, O. (2017, January 16). Reproductive Justice: What it Means and Why it Matters (Now, More Than Ever). Public Health Post. https://www.publichealthpost.org/viewpoints/reproductive-justice/.

Harzog, B. (2022, June 8). How Many Americans Are Living Paycheck to Paycheck? U.S. News. https://money.usnews.com/credit-cards/articles/how-many-americans-are-living-paycheck-to-paycheck.

Fernando, C. (2023, March 11). Reproductive justice is a human rights, abortion access movement. Here’s what to know. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/11/what-is-reproductive-justice-definition/11417941002/.

BIPOC Women’s Health Network. (2023). Reproductive Justice: What it Means and Why it Matters. https://bipocwomenshealth.com/reproductive-health/reproductive-justice-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters/.

Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2022, April 13). Infographic: Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Pregnancy-Related Deaths— United States, 2007-2016. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternal-mortality/disparities-pregnancy-related-deaths/infographic.html.

U.S Commission on Civil Rights. (2021, September). Racial Disparities in Maternal Health, 2021 Statuary Enforcement Report. https://www.usccr.gov/files/2021/09-15-Racial-Disparities-in-Maternal-Health.pdf.

Voices for Children. (2023). The Foster Care System. https://www.speakupnow.org/foster-care-statistics-resources/#:~:text=National%20Foster%20Care%20Statistics%201%20In%20recent%20years%2C,for%20three%20or%20more%20years.%20%284%29%20More%20items.

Administration for Children and Families. (2022, November 1). Trends in Foster Care and Adoption: FY 2012-2021. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/report/trends-foster-care-adoption.

Kids Count Data Center. (2022, April). Children exiting foster care by exit reason in the United States. Annie E. Casey Foundation. https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/6277-children-exiting-foster-care-by-exit-reason#detailed/1/any/false/574,1729,37,871,870,573,869,36,868,867/2631,2636,2632,2633,2630,2629,2635,2634/13050,13051.

Kuligowski, S. (2019, April 25). How Many Orphans in the US? There are millions of orphans in the world today. Adoption.com. https://adoption.com/how-many-orphans-in-the-us.

Harmon, A. (2016, May 17). 8 Big Reasons Kids Enter the Foster Care System. Although each situation is different, there are a few common reasons children enter the foster system. Adoption.com. https://adoption.com/8-big-reasons-kids-enter-the-foster-care-system#:~:text=Although%20each%20situation%20is%20different%2C%20there%20are%20a,Child%E2%80%99s%20Choices%20…%208%208.%20Voluntary%20placement%20.

Manjeshwar, S. (2020, November 5). America’s Forgotten History of Forced Sterilization. Berkeley Political Review. https://bpr.berkeley.edu/2020/11/04/americas-forgotten-history-of-forced-sterilization/.

Interning with Kent State’s Women’s Center

By Alexandra Samuels, a KSU Women’s Center Writing Intern

The Kent State Women’s Center, located in the Williamson House, focuses on advocating gender equity through interactive events. There are numerous ways for students to get involved, however the internship program is one of the easiest ways to participate and get credit for events.

There are various intern positions available with the Women’s Center including social media/marketing, events/programming, and being the director’s intern. Social media interns focus on running our various social media pages, as well as creating flyers for upcoming events. Programming interns create and organize events like Elect Her, Gather and Give Back, and Go with the Flo. These interns also help create PowerPoints to present at these events and make sure our bulletin boards are up to date. Lastly, the director’s intern works with the Women’s Center director to solidify events and create/execute special projects.

This semester the Women’s Center interns have had the opportunity to create an event advocating for gender equity with a volunteer activity that focuses on community involvement. Interns are also encouraged to suggest any events or programs that they think would be beneficial, as well as take initiative when it comes to implementing and planning the event.

Other important events that have gone on this semester include Elect Her and Gather and Give back. Elect Her is a training program that allows students to learn leadership skills and help them get involved with the student body. Guest speakers come in and share their own experiences with leadership and how that has led to where they are now. Gather and Give Back is a project that encourages volunteers to help cut materials that will be used to make reusable menstrual products, which will then be donated to countries who may not have easy access to menstrual care. Interns have the opportunity to help host events like these and lead volunteers.

Internships are extremely beneficial to students, allowing them to gain experience in their field while still being in a comfortable environment. They help you decide whether you want to go into a specific line of work, or if you would rather switch your area of focus. Sara Pritchard, an event intern at the Women’s Center, states that her experience has “definitely solidified what she wants to do in the future,” which is focused on fundraising and event planning. Sara says that this opportunity has been very fulfilling; she knew she always wanted to work for a women’s nonprofit organization and this opportunity has helped give her the experience she needs.

Our Graduate assistant, Sarah Robinson, finds this program compelling, allowing students to think for themselves and promote their own ideas. “I think a lot of what we do is push our interns to advocate for themselves in a way that other internships might not,” Sarah states. As the Graduate assistant, Sarah is responsible for ensuring that events are covered, leading team meetings, marketing, and creating graphic flyers. Sarah explains how she never really saw herself in a leadership position quite like this, but when she interviewed with the Women’s Center, she felt comfortable and at ease. A large takeaway for her has been stepping into leadership, not as it is seen in a hierarchical form, but rather collectively with all the interns and the director.

In recent years the internship program has grown and evolved into the “back bone” of the Women’s Center. Previously, the program was centered on bringing in students and having them create and help with events. Since the Women’s Center was still in the Carriage House at the time, there was not really a lot of room for growth. Now that the Women’s Center has moved to Williamson House, the program has been expanded to include more people and more responsibilities.

The director of the Women’s Center, Cassie Pegg-Kirby, wanted to expand the program since many undergrad and graduate students wanted to get involved, yet they did not really have the space or means for it. Cassie states, “Students are our future, I think of [the internship program] as an investment in our students because oftentimes it is beneficial for the organization and the student.” Cassie has been grateful for the program and does not want to forget that the Women’s Center has a symbiotic relationship with the interns. What is produced would not be possible without the interns, and in return the interns are able to learn and grow from the experience. Cassie hopes that students will be able to achieve their full potential and harness their strengths/gifts, while still realizing what their challenges are.

In the future the Women’s Center hopes to have the ability to give either credit or a stipend to first semester interns for their hard work and dedication. Cassie, realizing that growth is important and essential in all aspects, expresses: “We need to start looking holistically, what are our values, is it appropriate to ask students to support the Center with their time and effort without being compensated?”

The internship program with the Women’s Center is a well-rounded program that pushes you to achieve your full potential and move towards your next goal. In order to be eligible, you must complete the application, have good academic standing, attend the intern training session, and have the ability to commit to ten hours of work a week. This summer the Women’s Center is hoping to have three interns, and six to eight in the fall. The application is rolling with no specific deadline; however, positions are granted on a first come, first served basis. The link for the application is here and if you have any additional questions, you can contact the Women’s Center at wc@kent.edu.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Signs of Sexual Violence

By Alexandra Samuels, a KSU Women’s Center Writing Intern

*This post contains sensitive material that may trigger some individuals who have dealt with sexual assault*

The center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS) on Kent State’s campus provides help and support for anyone who struggles or is struggling with sexual violence. They offer support, crisis intervention, adjudication assistance, conduct support, and academic intervention. The center for SRVSS is located in Williamson House along with the Women’s Center. If you or anyone you know is struggling with sexual violence you can call SRVSS at (330) 672-8016.

Officially recognized in 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) was created to address the ongoing problem that is still widespread today: sexual violence. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) creates a theme each year to better aim intentions for the month. The theme for this month is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity,” which hopes to encourage individuals and organizations to help change the systems surrounding us to build racial equity and respect. This recognizes that all forms of oppression will need to be addressed in order to create a healthy environment where individuals do not have to fear for their well-being.

While nowadays there are laws in place to protect victims of sexual assault, this was not always the case. Sexual violence has a long and complicated history and can be seen referenced in early texts such as firsthand accounts from explorers, ancient Greek works, and religious texts. Unfortunately, most of what we know from these times was from the accounts of the perpetrators.

Sexual assault has largely been linked to war and slavery. This is still an unfortunate reality for many as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. More than 60 accounts of rape have been reported in the Kherson region alone and is still a threat to Ukrainians living in Russian controlled regions. More than 1,000 survivors in Kherson have also reported an array of abuses with threats of sexual assault and even death.

The United States also has a dark history surrounding slavery. Sexual violence against slaves was sadly very common since there were not many laws protecting their rights. It was not until 1861 that African Americans could finally file a claim of sexual assault against a White person. This would have been during the Civil War which started in 1861 and lasted until 1865. 

Immediately following the Civil War, many southern states enacted Jim Crow laws which enforced the segregation of Black people. In 1944, Racy Taylor was walking home in Abbeville, Alabama, when she was kidnapped by six White men and sexually assaulted in the back of a truck. Even though one person confessed to the crime, White jurors still declared the perpetrators innocent. This tragic incident became one of the many reasons the civil rights movement started, challenging Jim Crow laws and the unfair treatment of Black citizens.

Shortly following the civil rights movement was the anti-rape movement which sought for more laws regarding sexual assault. When the United States was only the thirteen colonies, there only one law against sexual assault and it described rape as the “carnal knowledge of a woman 10 year or older, forcibly and against her will.” This definition suggests that sexual violence cannot happen to children under ten years of age, and that a ten-year-old is capable of consenting to sexual activity. This was not reformed until the late 1800s when suffragists were able to get the legal consent age raised to an age between fourteen and eighteen, depending on the state.

Later, in 1975 during the anti-rape movement, congress finally adopted rules 412-415 which states that a victim’s sexual history cannot be brought up in court to discredit them. This was a large milestone for justice against sexual assaulters as previously they could discredit a victim by describing their sexual history, or by making false claims. The following year, 1976, Nebraska would become the first state to criminalize marital rape. Marital rape would not be outlawed nationwide until 1993.

A more recent movement called MeToo has surfaced within the last few years. This movement encourages people to speak out against coworkers who have sexually harassed or assaulted them, spreading the knowledge of just how common sexual harassment in the workplace is. This has inspired more employers to start including a section in their contracts regarding sexual misconduct, which states that the perpetrator will be punished, if not terminated from their position.

While progress has been made to fight against sexual violence, many are still forced to live with the fear that it may happen to them. Recent studies have shown that 1 in 5 women will experience either attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Along with this, 81% of women and 43% of men will have to endure sexual harassment. In 2018 alone it was reported that 734,630 filed against someone for either attempted rape or completed rape. This does not include those who may have experienced sexual assault and were unable to file against their perpetrator. To put this into perspective, this is twice the size of the population of Cleveland.

At a more local setting, 1 in 4 undergraduate college students will experience sexual assault or misconduct during their studies. This study was done at 32 of the 33 universities in the Association of American Universities. In Ohio, this would include The Ohio State University, and Case Western Reserve.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has compiled a list of recommendations in order to help prevent sexual assault. These recommendations include teaching positive communication skills, teaching conflict resolution (includes managing emotions), increasing communication about sexual activity (to promote healthy sexuality), creating healthy environments (schools and other public facilities), speaking out against sexual harassment, knowing where to get help (crisis centers), providing treatments (therapy for anxiety, depression, and PTSD), and knowing the signs of human trafficking.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline has also provided a list of signs that may make someone more vulnerable to human trafficking. This encompasses a very unstable living condition, if they are experiencing sexual violence, are undocumented immigrants, are facing poverty or economic need, has a caregiver who has a severe substance abuse problem, or if they themselves have a substance abuse problem.

A key sign that a child is being trafficked is if they are involved in the sex industry, which is automatically considered trafficking in the United States. Another sign is if someone has a strict or controlling manager/pimp, or if someone’s spouse, caregiver, or partner is controlling and does not let them participate in any social activities or see friends/family.

Some situations that could also lead to trafficking include being asked to sign a contract in a different language, becoming involved in a fast-moving relationship where the other person showers them with gifts, or even being offered a job that involves relocation without receiving many details.

Above all, awareness is one of the most important things when it comes to educating the public about issues that many still must face today. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we should all strive to better understand what the month means and how we can help prevent sexual violence and social injustice.

References

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (n.d.). Statistics. https://www.nsvrc.org/statistics.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 5). Sexual Violence is Preventable. https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/sexual-violence/index.html.

National Human Trafficking Hotline. (2023). Recognizing the Signs. https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs.

History.com Staff. (2018, October 9). When Sexual Assaults Made History. A&E Television Networks. https://www.history.com/news/sexual-assault-rome-slavery-columbus-jim-crow.

Bishop, K. (2018. April 5). A Reflection on the History of Sexual Assault Laws in the United States. The Arkansas Journal of Social Change and Public Service. https://ualr.edu/socialchange/2018/04/15/reflection-history-sexual-assault-laws-united-states/.

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention. (2022, February 5). Prevention Strategies. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/prevention.html.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (2023). Sexual Assault Awareness Month. https://www.nsvrc.org/saam.

Groves, S. (2023, April 19). Ukraine Top Prosecutor Says Russian Forces are Using Rape , Torture to Sow Terror. PBS News Hour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-survivors-of-russian-war-crimes-in-ukraine-testify-in-house-hearing.