Obama Proclaims March Women’s History Month!

The White House released a statement by President Obama proclaiming March Women’s History Month. March was selected as a time to honor American women in 1978, when a Women’s History Week was initiated; the time-period was expanded to a month in 1987. Obama’s proclamation follows:

With passion and courage, women have taught us that when we band together to advocate for our highest ideals, we can advance our common well-being and strengthen the fabric of our Nation. Each year during Women’s History Month, we remember and celebrate women from all walks of life who have shaped this great Nation. This year, in accordance with the theme, “Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet,” we pay particular tribute to the efforts of women in preserving and protecting the environment for present and future generations.

Ellen Swallow Richards is known to have been the first woman in the United States to be accepted at a scientific school. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1873 and went on to become a prominent chemist. In 1887, she conducted a survey of water quality in Massachusetts. This study, the first of its kind in America, led to the Nation’s first state water-quality standards.

Women have also taken the lead throughout our history in preserving our natural environment. In 1900, Maria Sanford led the Minnesota Federation of Women’s Groups in their efforts to protect forestland near the Mississippi River, which eventually became the Chippewa National Forest, the first Congressionally mandated national forest. Marjory Stoneman Douglas dedicated her life to protecting and restoring the Florida Everglades. Her book, The Everglades: Rivers of Grass, published in 1947, led to the preservation of the Everglades as a National Park. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1993.

Rachel Carson brought even greater attention to the environment by exposing the dangers of certain pesticides to the environment and to human health. Her landmark 1962 book, Silent Spring, was fiercely criticized for its unconventional perspective. As early as 1963, however, President Kennedy acknowledged its importance and appointed a panel to investigate the book’s findings. Silent Spring has emerged as a seminal work in environmental studies. Carson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 1980.

Grace Thorpe, another leading environmental advocate, also connected environmental protection with human well-being by emphasizing the vulnerability of certain populations to environmental hazards. In 1992, she launched a successful campaign to organize Native Americans to oppose the storage of nuclear waste on their reservations, which she said contradicted Native American principles of stewardship of the earth. She also proposed that America invest in alternative energy sources such as hydroelectricity, solar power, and wind power.

These women helped protect our environment and our people while challenging the status quo and breaking social barriers. Their achievements inspired generations of American women and men not only to save our planet, but also to overcome obstacles and pursue their interests and talents. They join a long and proud history of American women leaders, and this month we honor the contributions of all women to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2009 as Women’s History Month. I call upon all our citizens to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that honor the history, accomplishments, and contributions of American women.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA
Online Source

Will the UK follow Obama by incorperating Women's History Month? Should we adopt it too? What are your thoughts on this?

Million Women Rise through London

Some of you may know about the march that took place on Saturday (7th March) in aid of ending male violence towards women and international Women's day.

The march was fun and allowed other groups to meet each other and bond over our similarities. All together the main aspect that I found particularly moving was the massive age range. It ranged from the elderly to babies being carried or pushed in buggys. With shouts, singing, whistles and horns blearing (as well as musicians marching with us) the atmosphere was electric.

Some people didn't get why we were marching so I thought I would put this here for you to read. When it comes to why march the website said this:

Women’s right to live free from violence and / or the fear of violence has not been achieved. Women continue to be attacked and violated in many different ways, in our homes, on our streets, on our public transport, at our places of work. The government, the TV and newspapers do very little to address this issue; instead they often blame women for wearing the wrong clothes or being in the wrong place.If you think this needs to change, then join us on a public demonstration to show those in power that it’s just not good enough! We need to show our mass dissatisfaction; we need to be strong together and in large numbers. Unity is strength; the voices of many are louder together than a single voice.If you want to see change for yourself, your children, your families, your communities then come out and say no to violence against women!

The march started at Portman square and we marched through Oxford st, Regent st and Piccadilly until we got to the rally point at Waterloo place.

The rally began at 2.30pm and finished about 4.30pm- in the rally there were numerous speakers and performances as well as stalls around the main area. It was defintely a day to remember and I think one of the biggest reasons why was the fantastic atmosphere.

Redbrick Interview

Questions asked by Redbrick reporter Gabrielle John.

1. What is the role of the Birmingham Women's Association and your role as a women's officer?

The role of Birmingham Women's Association or the Women's Network, as we have renamed ourselves, is to be a supportive base for the women of the university. As an association we represent over 15,000 students and we try our best to understand the needs of all those students. We can only do what we are told the women of this university want. For example last year we were made aware that students wanted better toilets in the guild and when it came to designing them, the women's network had a say in that. As women's officer I help support the women's network as well as another women's group in the university, known as B WISTE (Birmingham Women in Technology and Engineering). I also attempt to run my own campaigns. Due to coursework commitments, last term was more successful then this term has been so far, but there are still plans in the works.

2. Why do you feel so passionately about the cause?

This cause is something that is close to my heart. The thing that probably makes me so passionate about this cause is most likely the fact that most people think it is unnecessary. When some women hear the term 'feminism' they think that it is a waste of time because at first glance, women do appear to have equal rights to men. The fact is, when you look deeper, we don't. And its not just about equal pay, its how women are portrayed everyday and in the media. If a man has had many relationships he's someone to be admired, if a woman has had a few relationships she's considered a slut. The double standard is doing well and everyone falls victim to it. The key to feminism is giving women the opportunity to choose what they want to do, be it a high powered job or being housewife and being confident in who you are. That is what I am passionate about.

3. Many people would argue we (in the west) do have relative equality in comparison to less developed countries, what is your argument against this?

Compared to less developed countries women do have more equality when it comes to opportunities. However we do not have the right attitude to feminism and that leaves us lacking. In the UK 1 in 4 women are the victims of domestic violence and our attitude is to sweep it under the rug. I can't remember the last time I saw an advert on tv (or if I ever have), telling people of the reality of domestic violence, either no one wants to address it or I don't watch enough tv. Either way the general attitude of feminism undermines all the progress we have made. In order to help those less developed countries be more equal in terms of women's rights, I truly believe we need to set an example and we can't do that if people continue to have misogynistic attitudes.

4. How do you feel women's rights have progressed over the past century and what do you feel was the catalyst?

I think it has been slow to an extent, but it has been there and that is the most important thing.That, and the fact the battle is still ongoing. There is always someone who is fighting and that gives me faith that we will achieve something great. We may not do it in a year, it might take ten but the point is that people have faith. In terms of the catalyst, I feel that over the years there has been many different instances of activity that have lead to significant change. Women gaining the right to vote or legalising abortion? I believe both of these events are catalysts in their own right because they were the first big steps, in their area, of change for the benefit and welfare of women.

5. What are the main issues facing women in this country today?

I think that the biggest issue facing women in this country today is other women. We are our own worst critics. If you ask a woman whether she's a feminist, some will say no but if you ask that same woman if she believes in equal pay, equal job opportunities or having the right to decide what she does with her body or who she marries then they are going to say yes and all those issues come under feminism. The biggest thing that is stopping women from achieving equality is the attitudes of other (not all) women. Sure there are other big issues today, such as legalising abortion in Ireland, expanding abortion rights (not needed two doctor's signatures etc.) as well as the pay gap. However in my mind, we can't overcome these issues and achieve equality until both men and women embrace the idea of equality.

Are you passionate about womens issues? Do you want to be Women's Officer 2009/10?

If you are interested in being next years Women's officer, nominations are open now! Below is a lit of relevant dates for the elections and a job description as well as general questions to think about. If you would like to remember to collect a nomination form from guild reception.

DATES:

Officer Q&A Session - Wednesday 4th February @ 6pm, Guild Council Chambers
Nominations Close - Friday 13th February 2009
Campaigning & Voting Opens - Monday 9th March 2009
Campaigning & Voting Closes - Friday 13th March 2009
Announcement of new Guild Officer Team - Saturday 14th March 2009

JOB DESCRIPTION: Womens’ Officer

Even in today’s society women still suffer from sexism and discrimination; issues such as the pay gap, the glass ceiling and domestic abuse are still as relevant today as they were forty years ago. The Women’s Officer works to raise awareness of these issues within the student body and motive female students to get involved in student campaigns to address these issues. They also work with other Guild Officers and Guild services, to ensure that the Guild of Students places the needs and concerns of women at the heart of all its actions. The Women’s Officer is also an active member of the NUS Women’s Campaign and as such works to represent Birmingham students at a national level by working with Women’s Officers from across the country.

Candidates for Womens’ Officer are expected to be women.

For more information email me at wo@guild.bham.ac.uk

Questions:
1. What are the biggest challenges facing female students today?
2. Is feminism relevant to students?
3. If you could only run one campaign; what campaign would that be?

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email me.

Domeneque
Women's Officer 2008/09

Women's AGM

First I would like to start off by apolosing, I didn't realise how long it was since my last post! Now for the AGM stuff. The women's network had their AGM (Annual General Meeting) yesterday and have elected three new committee members. However because other positions did not get filled we are going to later hold a EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) to vote in the rest of the committee. The positions are as follows:

Convenor: Maudie Wyatt
Secretary: RON
Treasurer: RON
Welfare Officer: RON
Campaigns and Publicity Officer: Rachel Tribbick
Guild Councillor x2: RON
NUS Delegate: Hollie Jones
NUS Observer: Maudie Wyatt/Rachel Tribbick/Domeneque Di Ciacca

:)

Jarratt Hall: CANCELLED to be rescheduled.

Unfortunately due to a mix up this self defence class has had to be cancelled. it will however be will be rescheduled for next term. If you would like more information about your self defence class please contact your RA. :(

B WISTE Launch!!

For those of you who do not know, B WISTE is a group designed for Women in Technology in the university. B WISTE stands for Birmingham Women In Science, Technology and Engineering. This group was set up by a university staff steering group which included myself and Hollie.

Today B WISTE offically launched. It started at 3:00pm with refreshments and socialising and then at 3:30pm the women were talked to by the group's patron, Dr Helen Stone. After Helen had finished it was my turn to tell them how although this project started out as a staff venture it was designed to be fully student run.

The name B WISTE was something in the early stages we were not sure about so we have given it's members the chance to pick their own name. The person who enters the best name will win £30 worth of book vouchers from waterstones.

We also gave out a free gift of little lip balms with the current name on them. Overall there was a great turnout and it proves to be something to look forward to. :)