Display: Voices of Empowerment – Women’s History Month

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Chatham is proud to be hosting two performances of the Vagina Monologues on March 30and 31. Any and all donations will benefit Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR), which provides education, counseling, and a safe place for women who have been victims of sexual violence. The events, including the “Divas and Desserts After Party” are sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and Feminist Activists Creating Equality (FACE) (see the March events calendar for details).

The Vagina Monologues were created by Eve Ensler as a one-woman performance piece in 1996, as a way of empowering women and celebrating her individuality. This later grew to incorporate other performers and kick-started V-day, a global movement to end violence against women. Ensler uses her voice as empowerment, to speak about her own life and experiences, and bring to light the struggles and triumphs of women and girls worldwide, and to provide inspiration to others. Whether funny or harrowing, the monologues are always honest.

In honor of Women’s History Month the Library will be highlighting women’s fight against degradation, sexual and physical violence, distorted body image, and using art as a tool and voice to raise awareness. While Ensler may be the most popular contemporary face of women’s performance art, “The New Woman and her Sisters: Feminism and the Theater 1850- 1914” shows that the history is quite strong, using the stage to subvert male dominated and pervasive views of women in a time of feminist flux. A more recent title picks up in the 1970’s and 80’s during the second-wave and outlines the careers of performance innovators, the establishment of groups and their methods. “Out from Under: Texts by Women Performance Artists” is a collection of voices from marginalized groups, their common connection being that they are the largest group of “other”, women.

It may be argued that some of this art is reactionary. Groups like the Guerilla Girls, point to female marginalization by hi-jacking galleries, reacting to the status quo. Artist Karen Finley, reacts to presentations of women’s bodies with her own body. But what all these women have in common is that they shine a light on women’s experiences and show it from a women’s point of view. Not surprisingly Finely (as well as Ensler), has been a source of outrage and criticism. “The Politics of Women’s Bodies: Sexuality, Appearance and Behavior” deals with how women’s bodies are seen and used by society and by women themselves, across the spectrum of age, class, and race. In light of recent political statements about contraceptives and other reproductive issues, this book is a must read. Check out our display and see what local groups like FACE and PAAR are doing to help women and girls in March and every day of the year.

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