IWL presents “Feminism Crash Course”

The term “feminism” can bring different ideas to mind, from women’s rights and equality to political movements and debates about gender. For students at CSB+SJU, the Institute for Women’s Leadership’s “Feminism Crash Course” offered an opportunity to examine where feminism ideals come from and why they continue to matter.

The event was held Sept. 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Upper Gorecki 204. It began with a question for attendees: “When you hear the word ‘feminism,’ what comes to mind?” 

Shannon Smith and Janelle Hinchley gave a presentation, introducing foundational ideas in feminism, different feminist movements and the ways feminism continues to shape how gender is understood today. 

Rather than presenting feminism as one single movement, the speakers discussed several different approaches. Liberal feminism, for example, focuses on equal rights and opportunities. Socialist feminism examines issues involving labor, caregiving and economic power, while queer feminism questions traditional norms and categories surrounding gender and sexuality. 

CSB junior Charlotte Johnson said she believes conversations about feminism should begin earlier than college. 

“I think [feminism] should be discussed throughout grades 6–12 because feminism isn’t just about women. It’s also about the patriarchy, which negatively affects us all,” Johnson said. “I think they can learn a lot about privilege, and no matter how much progress we have here in the U.S., that progress is not felt everywhere,” Johnson said. 

The discussion emphasized that different feminist movements can challenge and support one another. Although feminist groups may focus on different struggles, the movements can share broader goals involving power, equality, freedom and participation.

Feminist movements have historically focused on ideas such as dignity, agency, equality and equity, voice and participation and collective liberation. The presentation also addressed the idea that feminism is not simply about individual women, but about larger systems of power that can affect people in different ways.

Johnson said feminism is important because its effects extend beyond individual experiences.

“I don’t think of feminism on a personal level. I think of it more as women as a whole, which is why it matters so much to me,” Johnson said. “I’ve received the benefits of feminism my whole life. Other women don’t have that same choice, and the idea of that is foreign to me.”

The way feminism is represented can also affect how people understand the movement.

“Feminism is definitely misrepresented as women just trying to get a leg up instead of simply wanting to be equal to men,” Johnson said. “I feel like sometimes it’s perceived as an attack on men when really it’s about equality and dismantling the patriarchy.”

CSB senior Sumer Harrington shared the sentiment.

“I think feminism is about equality, with a huge emphasis on women’s rights and women’s empowerment,” Harrington said.

Harrington continued saying she believes feminism remains important on the CSB and SJU campuses.

“I think feminism is greatly important, and I feel like there is a lack of that on the two campuses,” Harrington said.

The event’s discussion of multiple feminist movements concluded that feminism does not have one universal definition or one single set of priorities.

Understanding those differences can help explain why feminism continues to be discussed even after major legal and social changes have occurred. Progress in one area does not necessarily mean that the same progress is experienced by everyone.

The event concluded with a facilitated discussion, giving attendees an opportunity to continue thinking about the ideas introduced during the presentation.

The “Feminism Crash Course” ultimately asked attendees not only what feminism means, but also what issues remain and how different feminist movements have approached them.