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the Women's and Gender studies program
VSU's Women’s and Gender Studies program is an interdisciplinary field of scholarship devoted to the study of women and gender as a social construction, one that intersects with class, race, age, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, and sexual identity. Our faculty and students are both scholars and feminist activists, pursuing intellectual work and achievement with a vision of social justice. In WGST, we explore the connections between academic inquiry and personal life, therefore, students have a unique opportunity to participate in process-oriented classrooms, where they are expected to be active participants in their own learning. We hope you will take a few minutes to explore our web site and learn more about our minor and social justice work.
Upcoming events include:
The Line Documentary
April 25th, 2012 @ 7pm Powell Hall
A one night stand far from home goes terribly wrong. As the filmmaker unravels her experience she decides to confront her attacker.
Told through a 'sex-positive' lens, The Line is a 24 minute documentary about a young woman - the filmmaker - who is raped, but her story isn't cut and dry. Sex workers, survivors and activists discuss justice, accountability and today's rape culture. The film asks the question: where is the line defining consent.
VSU V-Day: "The Vagina Monologues"
April 12, 2012 - April 14, 2012 @ 7pm Jenette Lecture Room 1111
Prices are $5 for students (with ID) and $10 for general public
The Vagina Monologues is an Obie Award winning play written by Eve Ensler. The play is based on Ensler's interviews with over 200 women about their memories and experiences of sexuality. It is a celebration of female sexuality in all its complexity and mystery. It encourages the audience to think of women as sexual beings who are entitled to express sexual feelings and enjoy sexual experiences free of shame and guilt. Encourages people to think more deeply about violence against women and how it affects their lives and the lives of those around them.
Until The Violence Stops!
Proceeds from ticket sales and revenue raised go to support beneficiaries working to end violence against women. Ten percent of the net profits from VSU’s benefit production of “The Vagina Monologues” will be donated to the V-Day 2012 Spotlight: The Women and Girls of Haiti. The rest of the proceeds will go to support the Women’s and Gender Sexual Violence Education Program.
The Bandana Project
April 16, 2012 - April 18, 2012 @ 10:00am - 2:00pm Pedestrian Mall
WGST will hang a Bandana Display on the Pedestrian Mall. Please come by and decorate a bandana to show your solidarity with the fight to end workplace sexual violence against migrant farm worker women. The Bandana Project is a public awareness campaign aimed at addressing the issue of workplace sexual violence against migrant farm worker women in the United States. White bandanas are used as a symbol of the sexual exploitation of farm worker women because farm worker women have said they use their clothes, including bandanas, to protect them from sexual harassment and sexual assault in the work place.
Slutwalk 2012
April 26th, 2012 @ 5pm Palms Quad
Mark your calendars and get ready to participate in the FIRST ANNUAL Valdosta Community SLUTWALK!
Mission Statement: SlutWalk Valdosta is part of a worldwide movement that challenges rape culture, victim-blaming and slut- shaming, and works to help end sexual and domestic violence.
On January 24th, 2011, a representative of the Toronto Police gave shocking insight in...to the Force’s view of sexual assault by stating: “women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized”.
As the city’s major protective service, the Toronto Police have perpetuated the myth and stereotype of ‘the slut’, and in doing so have failed. With sexual assault already a significantly under-reported crime, survivors have now been given even less of a reason to go to the Police, for fear that they could be blamed. Being assaulted isn’t about what you wear; it’s not even about sex; but using a pejorative term to rationalize inexcusable behavior creates an environment in which it’s okay to blame the victim.
Historically, the term ‘slut’ has carried a predominantly negative connotation. Aimed at those who are sexually promiscuous, be it for work or pleasure, it has primarily been women who have suffered under the burden of this label. And whether dished out as a serious indictment of one’s character or merely as a flippant insult, the intent behind the word is always to wound, so we’re taking it back. “Slut” is being re-appropriated.
We are tired of being oppressed by slut-shaming; of being judged by our sexuality and feeling unsafe as a result. Being in charge of our sexual lives should not mean that we are opening ourselves to an expectation of violence, regardless if we participate in sex for pleasure or work. No one should equate enjoying sex with attracting sexual assault.
We are a movement demanding that our voices be heard.
We are here to demand change.
We are tired of speeches filled with lip service and the apologies that accompany them. What we want is meaningful dialogue and we are doing something about it: WE ARE COMING TOGETHER. Not only as women, but as people from all gender expressions and orientations, all walks of life, levels of employment and education, all races, ages, abilities, and backgrounds, from all points of Valdosta and elsewhere.
We exist to condemn a victim-blaming culture, to empower victims and survivors of sexual violence and to promote the involvement of the community to keep its members safe and bring an end to sexual violence. Sexual violence is NEVER justified and victims are NEVER at fault. The use of the word 'slut' in the name of our walk is intentional. It is not a celebration of 'slut' but rather a challenge to the use of the word as a weapon against women and as a justification for their victimization. We are here to publicly reject the victim-blaming mentality in the media and in popular culture and demand change.
We recognize that sexual violence impacts every facet of our community across lines of race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability and spirituality. EVERYONE has the right to be safe. This is a come-as-you-are, whoever-you-are event. It is open to men and women, survivors and allies. We do not advocate for a particular style of dress, but encourage all to wear what feels comfortable.
We are asking you to join us for SlutWalk, to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims’ rights and to demand respect for all. Whether a fellow slut or simply an ally, you don’t have to wear your sexual proclivities on your sleeve, we just ask that you come. Any gender-identification, any age. Singles, couples, parents, sisters, brothers, children, friends. Come walk or roll or strut or holler or stomp with us!
We encourage and invite individuals, institutions and businesses to join us in taking responsibility for the well-being, safety and respect of Valdosta and all of its residents.
More information coming soon about regulations, volunteer opportunities, etc.Find us on FACEBOOK
Follow us via TWITTER
Read more about what started it all!
Volunteer Opportunities:
M.A.R.C.H. - Men's Alliance for Responsible Change
The working objectives of MARCH are as follows:
1. Engage men of Valdosta State University as allies to
women in violence prevention work.
2. Developing and supporting healthy masculinity.
3. Facilitating sustainable activism on and off campus.
4. Partner with campus and community women's
organizations and/or programs.
5. Work toward increasing dramatically the number of
men who make these issues a priority in their personal
and professional lives.
