By Ben Wilson
Here at ROAR!, we’ve got more strings to our bow than just defending Page 3 when it comes to the complex and often controversial world of feminism. That’s why we’re excited that March at King’s is a celebration of all things feminine.
From March 11th, KCLSU and KCL FemSoc will be bringing you a series of events as part of Women’s History Month, intended to “raise awareness and empower women by discovering, documenting and celebrating women’s lives and achievements.
According to Connie Cramp, publicity director for KCL FemSoc, there will be “a whole host of events to celebrate outstanding women, and everyone who supports equal rights, all of which will be free to attend!â€
The first of these, a talk on ‘Feminism and Fairytales’ by independent academic Sophia Morgan-Swinhoe, on March 11th, will be focussed on “talking about the relationship between feminism and the genre of the fairy tale, before exploring the possibilities of a feminist fairy tale†as well as providing discussion and a Q&A session with Sophia.
Shortly after, on March 14th between 15:00 and 17:00, will be a walking tour “visiting sites associated with women who have defined Whitechapel and Spitalfields.†Usually costing £9, the walk has instead been subsidised for Women’s History Month so make sure you book yourself a place and learn about such eminent feminist figures as Annie Besant, Mary Hughes, Miriam Moses, Eva Luckes and Edith Cavell.
Next on the agenda is the ‘Feminist Comedy and Awards Night’, taking place in Tutu’s on the 18th of March. Appearances will include comediennes Kate Smurthwaite, Annabel O’Connell, Katie Lane and ‘Turn Your Back On Page 3’ campaigner Francine Hoenderkamp.
Hoenderkamp will be presenting awards that include ‘Student Feminist of the Year (King’s)’, ‘Journalist of the Year’ and ‘Misogynist of the Year’. Voting is still open, and you can head over to http://kclsu.org/survey_page.asp?section=1446§ionTitle=Feminist+Awards to make your voice heard.
March 25th sees Strand Campus’ Anatomy Lecture Theatre (K6.29) play host to a discussion on “women’s rights in sport, the ‘halo’ effect of the Olympics and future visions for women’s sport.†Head of King’s Sports and Active Lifestyle Andy Allford will be joined by Kelly Smith, Alex Scott, Charlotte Edwards and Shelly Alexander for the discussion, followed by a Q&A and drinks reception.
And wrapping up Women’s History Month on March 28th will be a film screening of ‘The Help’ in S3.30, Strand Campus. Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett and starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, the Oscar Award Winning ‘The Help’ is the account of one author’s decision to write a book from the perspective of African-American maids during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.
For more information on any of these events head over to kclsu.org/womenshistory. You can also have your say by tweeting @KCLSU with the hash-tag #KickAssWomen. To book your place on any of the events e-mail [email protected], and be sure to check out KCL FemSoc on Facebook and Twitter. It’s open to all with an interest in feminism.
