By
Rebecca Missel
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Three generations of women speak about their experiences at
Women's views on the past, present and future of women's studies show the program's development during the last quarter of a century, women's studies department leaders said.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the department will host the "Generations of Women's Studies" panel discussion.
"In the 1920s everybody was sure gender equality had been achieved by giving women the vote - but it didn't happen," said Liz Kennedy, women's studies department head. "Women's studies is an insurance policy to ensure we keep moving forward."
The discussion panel meets today at 3 p.m. in Room 205 of the Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson building, 1111 N. Cherry Ave.
All nine panel participants have either been students or faculty members in the department. They will speak on their expectations for women's studies at the University of Arizona, their findings and their hopes for the future.
"I think (the panel) is really important because it shows the progress that women's studies has made," said Stefanie Goebel, a UA women's studies graduate student and assistant coordinator for the panel.
"It took a lot of years to evolve into a regular department that's respected and has a place on campus," she said. "At various stages people put up a lot of opposition."
Now, as the department enters its 25th year, students and faculty are looking back to gain a greater appreciation of the present.
"One important aspect of sexism is that women don't know their own history," Kennedy said. "This way we can look at the future because we've thought about our past."
For current students, the panel provides an opportunity to discuss new issues facing women.
"People ask why (women's studies) is necessary, and yet there are so many reasons why it is," said Meredith Trauner, women's studies graduate student. "The changing political climate puts us on the defensive."
Besides protecting women's studies programs, people must change their old views about the sexes, Trauner said.
"Ultimately, everyone now gets looked at through the lens of gender and everyone goes against the traditional definition," she said. "There is some aspect that doesn't fit in with what society says they should be."
The motivations of those involved with women's studies are also misunderstood, Goebel said.
"The big issue is redefining feminism and women's studies so that it's not seen as male-hating - it's a dirty word," she said. "Feminism is not just about making the world a better place for only women."
However, certain recent advances have helped create greater equality for men and women. Increasing numbers of women in sports and politics and the lifting of the combat exclusion rule proves that women are capable, Goebel said.
"The biggest thing in the last 10 to 15 years is the better access to certain kinds of science and engineering programs," she said.
While visible advances have been made for women in this country, internationally the disparities still exist, said Ally Barbarow, women's studies junior.
"We're unequal by being women in this day and age, but people don't think of it because of the opportunities available in the United States," she said. "Women need to voice their opinions and empower themselves."
