The Connecticut College Women’s Center will host a symposium that brings together faculty, staff and students to present research, lectures and educated opinions on the numerous aspects of global women’s health. “In Our Hands: Global Women's Health Today and Tomorrow” will take place on Friday, Feb. 15, and comprises a series of talks addressing a variety of topics affecting women around the world.
All events will take place in the 1941 Room of the College Center at Crozier-Williams.
Mimi Bangali ’13 Female Genital Mutilation and Fistula
noon
Bangali will speak about her research regarding women's experiences with female genital mutilation and the resulting fistulas.
The Myth of Masculine Meat and Overemotional Vegetarian Women — Shannon Kelly ’13
12:30 p.m.
Kelly will discuss how industrialization moves women and men into different spheres — private and public —and how that shift affects food production, body image and more.
Breaking Chains, Breaking Cycles — Casey Dillon ’14, President of Slavery Ends Today
1 p.m.
Dillon will give a presentation on the causes of human trafficking — which include cycles of poverty, greed, abuse and discrimination, the implications of human trafficking and thoughts on prevention and victim support. Slavery Ends Today is a student organization that works to raise awareness of present-day slavery.
The Female International Traveler: How To Be Prepared to Travel Abroad — Susan Turley, Nurse Practitioner, Student Health Services
1:30 p.m.
Turley will present an overview of the recommended preparation for the health and safety of females traveling to international destinations, including the need for vaccinations, medications, birth control, safety reminders and emergency and contingency plans.
Reproductive Justice: A Global Concern — Joan Chrisler, Class of 1943 Professor, Department of Psychology
2:15 p.m.
Chrisler will present on the broad view of reproductive justice, including contraception, abortion and access to reproductive technologies; prenatal care and birthing options; and freedom from sexual assault, trafficking, female feticide and infanticide.
#1billionrising: Taking A Stand Against Violence Against Women — Colleen Bunn, Area Coordinator and Women’s Center Adviser
2:45 p.m.
The #1ibllionrising campaign was created by playwright Eve Ensler and the V-Day movement to bring together all who wish to end violence against women in the world. Bunn will use a multimedia approach to demonstrate how this movement has grown from a hashtag to a worldwide uprising.
Infertility As An Issue of Public Health: Analyzing the Consequences of Global Childlessness — Elizabeth Kaplan ’13
3:15 p.m.
Kaplan will present her research on the unique bio-psychosocial consequences of infertility in men and women around the world, in particular the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. She will uncover the multi-layered complexities of infertility and the social problems that arise from this condition specific to geographic location.
Screening of “Orgasm Inc.,” followed by a talk and Q&A with director Liz Canner
4 p.m.
The documentary “Orgasm Inc.” is a powerful look inside the medical industry and the marketing campaigns that are literally and figuratively reshaping our everyday lives around health, illness, desire … and that ultimate moment: orgasm. Director Liz Canner will screen the film and follow it with a brief talk and a Q&A session.
Canner’s participation was made possible by a gift from Susan Rose ’62. The symposium is sponsored by the Connecticut College Women’s Center, the Office of the Dean of Student Life and the Film Studies Department. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call 860-439-5275.
In addition to this symposium on global women's health, Connecticut College is hosting a semester-long program that will explore a variety of issues important to people across the world. Visit the College's calendar and look for events labeled "Striving for Global Justice."