USSU Centres

Rape culture comes from movies, television shows, advertisements, jokes, images, social media, language, and much more. It’s all around us. These everyday discourses disseminate and validate the act of rape and sexual assault as commonplace. By being exposed daily to these messages, society treats rape as an innocuous and flippant phenomenon, often resulting in victim blaming and slut shaming. Victim blaming is when the victim of a rape or sexual assault is blamed because of their actions, behaviours, style of dress, or personal life decisions. Slut shaming is when women who dress provocatively, have multiple partners, or who have a reputation of being a “slut” are shamed for these said behaviours and are said to have unwanted sexual acts coming to them. Both of these phenomena perpetuate sexist and misogynist ideals surrounding women’s sexuality deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions.

Feeling unsafe and perpetually precautious is so mundane and routine for women today we barely take notice.  Jessica Valenti discusses the idea of a ‘rape schedule’ and says, “When I was in college, a teacher once said that all women live by a ‘rape schedule.’ I was baffled by the term, but as she went on to explain, I got really freaked out. Because I realized that I knew exactly what she was talking about. And you do too. Because of their constant fear of rape (conscious or not), women do things throughout the day to protect themselves. Whether it’s carrying our keys in our hands as we walk home, locking our car doors as soon as we get in, or not walking down certain streets, we take precautions. While taking precautions is certainly not a bad idea, the fact that certain things women do are so ingrained into our daily routines is truly disturbing. It’s essentially like living in a prison - all the time. We can’t assume that we’re safe anywhere: not on the streets, not in our homes. And we’re so used to feeling unsafe that we don’t even see that there’s something seriously fucked up about it.”

Feminist grassroots efforts have birthed some wonderful proactive public demonstrations to protest rape and sexual assault. Take Back the Night has been around for decades and continues to go strong to this day. This is a rally/march where members of the community gather to reclaim the night’s street as a safe place for women. A rather recent movement conceived in Toronto in 2011, SlutWalk was a response to a police officer’s comment suggesting women should not dress like “sluts” if they would like to avoid rape. While I struggle with the effectiveness of reclaiming the word “slut” and the persona associated with it, I recognize the importance of its overarching message regarding victim blaming and slut shaming. 

The pervasiveness of rape culture in North American society is a disturbing reality that affects all aspects of our daily lives. While it is seemingly inescapable, there are actions and tactics one can do to take a stand against rape culture. When you hear someone making a rape joke, either make it known that those types of jokes are completely inappropriate, disrespectful, and just not funny. Don’t engage with companies and products that circulate, reinforce, and perpetuate sexist and misogynistic ideals – especially when advertisements depict violence and dehumanization towards women. Lastly, be proactive and get involved! Support and participate in local and international feminist activism efforts. Apathetic sentiments towards issues so embedded and normalized in our society are just as dangerous as blatantly supporting them.

SMASH THE PATRIARCHY!

Heather xo

Posted by jbv373 at 09:39 AM | Permalink

Welcome back students! As everyone is adjusting to new classes, new schedules, and new routines, things are getting busy at the Women’s Centre already! Let me tell you about some things coming up for the Women’s Centre.

This weekend, the Women’s Centre will be participating in the first ever Saskatchewan Women’s Forum. This is an exciting new initiative created by a team of local activists who decided it’s time for women across Saskatchewan to connect with one another. There will be numerous speakers from all over the province discussing different topics related to women’s issues. After individual speakers present, the forum’s participants will separate in to smaller discussion groups. Three volunteers and myself will represent the Women’s Centre at the Forum. We’re excited to connect with other women who share similar values and goals, and hopefully build lasting relationships that inspire action, activism, and change.

The Women’s Centre is planning, in partnership with the Help Centre and Pride Centre, is the USSU Sex Week. During the week of February 4th – 9th, we will be organizing and hosting numerous activities and events dedicated to all things sex. We will be hosting a sex toy party, a lecture series focusing on issues related to sex and sexuality, a radio show on CFCR, trivia night, and ending it all with the Carnival of Sex February 9th at Louis'. The Carnival of Sex will feature local drag performances, spoken word artists, pole dance demonstrations, and local DJ Charly Hustle. As well, there will be a community fair with tons of local organizations, carnival games, and photo booth. Save the dates and stay tuned for more details!

Term two is shaping up nicely! Stop by the Centre to get involved and follow us on Facebook.

In Solidarity,
Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 10:38 AM | Permalink

On December 6th, 1989, Mark Lepine walked in to l’École Polytechnique holding a rifle and separated the men from the women. He continued by shouting anti-feminist remarks and shooting 28 people before taking his own life. Fourteen people died simply because they were women.

• Geneviève Bergeron (born 1968), civil engineering student
• Hélène Colgan (born 1966), mechanical engineering student
• Nathalie Croteau (born 1966), mechanical engineering student
• Barbara Daigneault (born 1967), mechanical engineering student
• Anne-Marie Edward (born 1968), chemical engineering student
• Maud Haviernick (born 1960), materials engineering student
• Maryse Laganière (born 1964), budget clerk in the l’École
Polytechnique's finance department
• Maryse Leclair (born 1966), materials engineering student
• Anne-Marie Lemay (born 1967), mechanical engineering student
• Sonia Pelletier (born 1961), mechanical engineering student
• Michèle Richard (born 1968), materials engineering student
• Annie St-Arneault (born 1966), mechanical engineering student
• Annie Turcotte (born 1969), materials engineering student
• Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz (born 1958), nursing student

In 1991, the Canadian government declared December 6th the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This date is an annual day of mourning and remembrance for the Massacre at l’École Polytechnique, as well as to acknowledge the prevalence of gender-based violence in Canadian society. It’s a day to acknowledge the over 500 missing and murder Aboriginal women in Canada. And it’s day to acknowledge every girl and women around the world who is affected by gender-based violence.

Your USSU Women’s Centre, with the Saskatoon Women’s Community Coalition, organized a service on Sunday, December 9th, in STM’s cafeteria to commemorate the day. We had an excellent turn out and even made the local news. If you’d like to know more about this important date or would like to be involved with planning next year, visit the Women’s Centre in the Memorial Union Building or email us at womenscentre@ussu.ca.

Best of luck with studying and finals,
Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 09:37 AM | Permalink

…Okay, let’s face it. Finals are the worst. Trying to cram four months of knowledge into your brain is no easy feat. Even after four years I still find it challenging. But you know who’s here to help ?! The USSU Help Centre. We have old final exams for a bunch of different classes, so why not stop by and see what treasures we have hiding in the exam bank. In the meanwhile, I suggest sweets to get you through the hard times. I know cookies always make me feel better. Here’s a favourite holiday recipe for Whipped Shortbread Cookies. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter, softened
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup icing sugar
¼ cup maraschino cherries halved

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F
2. In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth.
3. Add flour and icing sugar to butter, beat until light and fluffy.
4. Spoon onto cookie sheet
5. Place maraschino cherry in the centre of each cookie
6. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are
lightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and let cool

Happy Holidays! See you in January!

Natalya

Posted by jbv373 at 11:05 AM | Permalink

I can’t believe September is almost over. Campus is bustling and peoples’ lives are getting crazy hectic. Amongst the busyness, there are some awesome events in the making. Next week, your USSU Women’s Centre and the Saskatoon Women’s Community Coalition will be hosting Take Back the Night on Thursday, September 27th. Take Back the Night is a march through our city’s streets at night to protest against violence in our community. We will be meeting at the Farmers’ Market at 7:00 pm and walking a roundabout back to the Farmers’ Market where we will end with a coffeehouse. Spoken word artist Sara Waldbillig will be gracing us with her powerful, inspiring words, as well; there will be a musical performance by Birdy. Last year, Take Back the Night had almost 400 participants, and we’re hoping for even more this year.

The first Take Back the Night was in 1976 in Belgium, where two thousand women gathered and marched in solidarity to reclaim the streets as a safe, non-violent place. Quickly after, Take Back the Night marches and rallys started popping up all over the world including Canada’s first ever in 1978. While Take Back the Night originally focused solely on violence against women, it has evolved into a more encompassing movement, extending its focus to a diverse range of people. Many, including members of the LGBTTIQQ2SA community and racialized individuals, experience violence. Take Back the Night remains an incredibly vital social movement in our community, for violence is still very prevalent even after almost 40 years of protest.

Come join us next week! The afternoon before the march, the Women’s Centre will be hosting a sign-making party. We will supply bristol board, markers, paints, glitter, and some other craft supplies. Feel free to bring anything else you might need. Take Back the Night is a great way to get involved with your community, participate in social justice action, meet new people, and most importantly, it’s fun! Bring a noisemaker and dress for the weather.

Happy studies everyone!

Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 02:39 PM | Permalink

My mother recently challenged me to explore an interesting topic in feminism. She asked if it was possible for feminine feminists to exist. Let me tell you, this is not a simple discussion, nor does it ever resolve in to a simple answer. Many women get super defensive about their choice to act in a stereotypically ‘girly’ way; to dress ‘provocatively’, or live their life according to traditional gender roles. The issue of choice presents itself as a complex, multifaceted predicament in the realm of feminism. When are our choices no longer our own? How do patriarchal and capitalist systems influence our choices? How do we evaluate women’s choices regarding fashion and beauty? Let’s consider the often ridiculously expensive choices of hyper-feminized procedures and products such as piercings, stiletto heels, body waxing, or other painful, seemingly masochistic rituals women take part in daily: who exactly are these women doing it for? Themselves?

Don’t get me wrong – I find myself participating in the capitalist machine that is the beauty industry more often than not. Whether it is the latest fashions (if you don’t know this about me, I’m addicted to ALL THE CLOTHES), some makeup and beauty products, and my occasional visits to my salon for hair care and waxing, I buy in to stereotypical feminine expectation. Although these are MY choices to partake in such activities, can I really claim agency when I’m getting my leg hair ripped from its follicles or when I’m spending $100 on new shoes that destroy my feet? Did our feminist sisters who came before us really fight as hard as they did so we could be hairless monkeys (more or less) resembling the physical appearance of a prepubescent tween?

There is a sociological explanation for the current social construction that is femininity (as well as masculinity). Despite popular belief, the femininity we have come to know and love (or hate) is not in any way an innate or biological fact. Women don’t wax all their body hair because it’s in their DNA to be hairless, nor do women seek surgical manipulation because it’s more natural for them to have large breasts and tiny waists. No, no, my friends. These standards and norms are complete and utter fabrications; merely creative innovations from the human mind that have been around for centuries. With all this said, as social agents, being resilient to all the propaganda is almost impossible. We were all born and raised in a social world, thus adhere to social phenomena rather thoughtlessly. Sorry kids, it’s true, we’re all just a bunch of mindless consumers waiting for someone to tell us what’s “in” and what’s “out”.

I don’t believe it is unreasonable for men and women to participate in these generally regarded futile and vain practices as long as they’re aware that these standards are social constructions. The key to being a proactive social agent in this messed-up patriarchal, capitalist world we call a society, is to be informed and aware of the social implications that govern our everyday lives. As humans, we have the capacity and the right to individually express ourselves however we choose. Even if these choices comply with the societal mainstream standard or if they completely bend the expected “rules”, I say, go for it! Get your Brazilian waxed! Pierce both your nipples! Do whatever feels right! Although according to Caitlin Moran in a recent Hairpin interview, she disagrees: “…I feel that anything that's normal that involves pain and costs a lot of money that boys aren't doing is something that I would really urgently want to have some kind of massive inquest into.” Good argument Caitlin, but haven’t you heard of boyzillians? Case in point. Gender aside, we’re all nuts.

Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 04:37 PM | Permalink

With the beautiful weather, it’s the perfect time for holidays and beach days. Between afternoon swims and patio fun, I have still found time to partake in some exciting ventures through the Centre. 

Early this month, I attended the Annual General Meeting of the Saskatoon Women’s Community Coalition (SWCC). This committee plans three major events: Take Back the Night, December 6th Memorial, and International Women’s Day. This year’s AGM was especially exciting because we are in the process of a much needed membership drive. Already, I have recruited some friends and volunteers to become members, however, we’re always looking for more new faces. There is also the option of being apart of a planning committee for just one of the events, if one in particular sticks out to you more than the others. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the community, hang out with some fantastic people, plan and organize fun, empowering events, plus as a bonus, it also looks great on résumé! If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in being apart of a fun, proactive group, committed to social justice and women’s interests, contact me! You can either call me, email me, Facebook me, or even better, COME SEE ME! You know where to find me.

A couple days ago, I had the opportunity to organize and lead a workshop with Marie Lovrod (from the Women and Gender Studies department) for a group of girls from International Women of Saskatoon (IWS). During a two and a half hour session, we created body maps that explored identity. After tracing their outlines on to giant sheets of paper, we looked at several different aspects of identity, such as core values, interests and hobbies, important relationships, ways of being, and claimed identities. Through drawing, painting, writing, pasting, glitter, and any other ways they could think of, the girls creatively “mapped” their identities in and around the outlines of their bodies. We then discussed influences outside of the body, like the media, our parents, and our peers, and how our perceptions of self often differ from other’s opinions and expectations. The end results were unbelievable! Each and every girl created a unique and beautiful representation of herself. While there were important themes that were consistent with many of the girls (friends, family, kindness, cooperation), we also found out things about each other no one knew at the beginning (one girl explained her love for history, while another talked about her obsession with vampires). Overall, the experience was unforgettable. I was nervous going into it because I didn't know how the girls would respond to the exercise, or did I know how I would feel orchestrating a group of 11 girls! But it was perfect. We had a blast and I was so touched to meet a group of such awesome young ladies!

I can’t believe it’s already August, and school is right around the corner! Remember, your USSU Women’s Centre is located in the MUB, Room 105 and we’re always looking for new volunteers and friends!

Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 03:28 PM | Permalink

Recently I have been doing a lot of thinking about dating and the “couple culture” we presently live in. The obsession with finding a partner in our society often blows up into a ridiculous display of desperate singles searching high and low for their “perfect match” while their friends and family encourage the agonizing endeavour. I see the value in many different relationships, including romantic relationships. I also see the harm in putting too much pressure on one particular connection in a sea of many. Additionally, the emphasis placed on heterosexual relationships for young women has added to the tired cliché of a gold-digging, submissive female unable to fend for herself. While we all know the joke about enrolling in university simply for a MRS degree, it’s distressing to think of the brilliant, more-than-capable women who will graduate college, marry, and never discover their full potential outside their home and family.

All too often, a woman’s self-worth is measured in terms of her partner or lack-thereof. Single women have been barraged with all sorts of nasty titles. The slang varies depending on the age of the much feared unattached female, but remains demeaning nonetheless. Older ladies are called spinster, old maid, cougar, or crazy cat lady, while younger women are referred to as slut, bimbo, tease, or worst of all, a feminist. No matter your age, the societal expectation is clear: to be single or unmarried in our current couple climate is unbecoming of women. Surely, a woman who is unattached must be promiscuous, undesirable, or a man-hating radical lesbian, right!?

As a woman who is single (and –GASP – content), the amount of attention placed on my dating life is ludicrous. While the women around me who are getting engaged, married, and having babies are celebrated, I’m viewed as lonely and desperate - someone who deserves your many sympathies and unsolicited dating advice. My accomplishments in life - a fantastic job, academic achievements, wonderful and loving friends, and complete and utter independence as a woman – are often overlooked. For the thousands of dollars spent on engagement gifts, bridal showers, wedding gifts, and baby showers, what about us single ladies? Where are our gifts for landing our dream job? Or signing a lease to our dream home? Or getting kickass grades in University? Or being safe and responsible in our sexual relationships?

It’s obvious our society values coupledom over singlehood. Don’t get me wrong, I wholeheartedly celebrate all of those pinnacle life moments with my loved ones, gender reveal parties and all (yeah, I know, that’s a REAL thing)! I’m just asking for a break from all the unwanted relationship advice, the sympathetic head-tilts and tongue-clicking, and the jokes about my perpetual 3rd or 5th wheel status. Believe it or not, I’m actually very happy, despite the fact I don’t have a boyfriend to look after me. So when I ask one of my family members for a ride to the doctor and the response is, “Maybe you should get a boyfriend so he can do stuff like this for you”, my response is an emphatic “get bent!” I don’t need anyone or any relationship to justify myself as a human being or as the self-sufficient woman that I have worked very hard to be.

If you need me, I’ll be celebrating my personhood. I’m registered at the Yard and Flagon.

Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 10:52 AM | Permalink

I wish it were Pride Week every week!

It’s been a busy month for the Centres, to say the least. For those of you who have been living under a rock, the 2012 Saskatoon Pride Festival took place last week. And what a week it was! Jack, Natalya, and I were busy attending events around the city all week, but my favourite, by far, was the Pride Parade on Saturday.

This year's Pride Parade was the largest in Saskatoon history, with approximately 4,000 people in attendance. The number almost doubled from the 2,500 attendees of last year’s Parade. Our group was situated near the front of the Parade and behind us was a sea of positive energy and spirits outfitted in rainbows!  At one point during the Parade, everyone looked up to see a rainbow circling the sun. It was spectacular! I heard someone say in the crowd, “the universe loves us!”. At that moment, I knew I was apart of something so incredibly wonderful and significant. The power of love, respect, and equality can be far greater than any hateful word or violent act. I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride as I continued walking in solidarity with my friends and loved ones. No wonder they call it Pride! 

The rest of the day was magical. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and Victoria Park proved to be an awesome venue. The USSU Centres had a table set up at the community fair along with various other organizations. There was also live music and a beer garden. The afternoon turned out perfectly.

After a quick catnap and fresh clothes, Jack, Nat, myself, and some other friends hit up Diva’s High Energy Disco Drag & Studio 54 Party. It was packed! I’ve never seen so many sweaty bodies squished into such a small space before. By the end of the night, after dancing for hours, I was a clammy mess. It was time to call it night at 2:30 am.

The day was one of the best days I’ve had in along time. I connected with so many wonderful people and had a blast! Pride is a truly important event to encourage community, acceptance, and awareness in Saskatoon. And while its purpose is essential to the growth and betterment of our community, Pride maintains a fun, easygoing ambiance that compares to no other festival in Saskatoon. Like I said probably a thousand times on Saturday, “I wish it were Pride Week every week.”

Heather

Photo Cred: Tristan Becker
http://third-meaning.com/

Posted by jbv373 at 04:00 PM | Permalink

I guess I should start by introducing myself! I’m Heather Kevill, the new USSU Women’s Centre Coordinator. I’m a third year Sociology and Women & Gender Studies Double Honours major. I’m so excited about my new position with the USSU! The entire staff is absolutely amazing; everyone is so nice and welcoming. I am especially excited about working with the new Exec and my fellow Centre coordinators. If you haven’t met Jack and Natalya yet, I suggest you wander down to the Help Centre (Nat) and up to the Pride Centre (Jack). These two people could possibly be my soul mates and I can’t wait to organize so many fun events with them for the upcoming school year!

I started volunteering at the Women’s Centre last winter and instantly fell in love with all the people and programs it offers. With new friends and old ones, I helped plan and organize a couple of great campaigns on campus. For instance, we organized the Women’s Centre first ever Menstrual Product Drive. For a week, we were set up in the Arts tunnel collecting donation items such as tampons, pads, and reusable cups to give to the Saskatoon Food Bank. Many women who utilize organizations such as the Food Bank can’t afford menstrual products, so they often resort to items found around the home like yarn, old newspapers, or rags. We received a lot of positive feedback and support from the community. It is campaigns and events such as this one that has got me pumped for the next year and all the exciting opportunities that go along with this position.

If you’re looking for a fun, relaxing space to hang out in during the summer and/or school year, come to the Women’s Centre! We have couches, vagina pillows, an extensive library, movies, craft supplies, a volunteer iMac computer, a microwave, great information and resources, and me, to welcome you with open arms! We’re always accepting new volunteers and new friends. Come hang out with me!!!

Can’t wait to meet each and every one of you,

Heather

Posted by jbv373 at 02:43 PM | Permalink