Group seeks equality for all
Although the world as a whole has taken steps forward on the topic of treating people equally, inequalities of all types are often still topics of debate.
Here’s where NDSU women’s studies and the student group Feminist Majority: Challenging the Status Quo come into the picture.
The group aims at breaking down walls of inequality and working with and educating the community on the benefits of treating all people with respect, said Heather Nesemeier, active leading member of Feminist Majority.
“ We take a feminist view on things; we recognize inequalities and challenges that certain groups face and we address them. Equality for one and equality for all,” Nesemeier said.
The group does a variety of service events. Last year the group co-sponsored the Clothesline Project during Women’s Week and took a road trip to St. Paul for Minnesota Lobby Day.
This year the group is participating in Take Back the Night, Get-Carded Day and Love your Body Day.
The Take Back the Night event will be held Sept. 26. The march is protesting violence against women.
All students are invited to participate. Everyone will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the NDSU gates on the corner of 12th Avenue North and University Drive and march to the Moorhead Center Mall.
Get-Carded day, held Sept. 28, is an event where women pass out cards with information promoting prevention of domestic violence.
Love your Body Day will be held Oct. 18.
“ It is a great group of people with a passion to make a difference and make the world a better place for all people, men and women alike,” Nesemeier said.
A women’s studies open house will also be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 8 in professor Ann Burnett’s office, Minard 200.
The event is open to anyone interested in the promotion of women’s issues or is in the major or minor.
Burnett, among others, will be available to talk about the program.
Burnett said she thinks it is important to have an area of study that emphasizes the role of women in society.
Women’s studies programs usually focus on the role of women in all aspects of society.
The programs were established in the 1970s as a response to curriculum that was very male-based, Burnett said.
“ The group is important because it provides a good social network for women on campus, and it’s always good to be involved in causes that help women succeed,” Burnett said.
To become a member of Feminist Majority: Challenging the Status Quo, e-mail ndsufeministmajority @yahoo.com. Meetings are open and informal.
“ They (the meetings) are opportunities for people to bring ideas to the table and if we are able we formulate a plan of action or an activity and go from there,” Nesemeier said.