“We need to reclaim the word ‘feminism’. We need the word ‘feminism’ back real bad. When statistics come in saying that only 29% of American women would describe themselves as feminist – and only 42% of British women – I used to think, What do you think feminism IS, ladies? What part of ‘liberation for women’ is not for you? Is it freedom to vote? The right not to be owned by the man you marry? The campaign for equal pay? ‘Vogue’ by Madonna? Jeans? Did all that good shit GET ON YOUR NERVES? Or were you just DRUNK AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY?”
― Caitlin Moran, How to Be a Woman

I’m opening this pitch with that quote from Caitlin Moran because to me, it says it all. I would be very happy if we could all start using “the F word” –FEMINISM — to talk about our support  for gender equality and female empowerment. More about that in a moment.

This summer I’m working with Madison-based A Fund For Women to commemorate 20 years of funding projects that help women and girls. We’re launching an inquiry into the evolution of the women’s movement in Madison, Wisconsin, 1950s-present.

We need your stories. Documenting these moments will enrich others’ understanding of our lives and times. We’re hosting three public “story capture” sessions. Drop by and share your story with other attendees, while volunteers scan your photos and photograph other mementos.

• What personal experience convinced you that you needed to stand up for women’s rights?
• Was there a woman whom you admired because of her strength in breaking down barriers to women?
• What would you like to tell younger women about your journey as a woman?

SCHEDULED SESSIONS:

Wednesday, June 5
5:00-7:00 pm
Goodman Community Center
149 Waubesa Street

Thursday, June 13
5:00-7:00 pm
Girl Scouts Badgerland Council
2710 Ski Lane

Saturday, June 22
9:00-11:00 am
Urban League of Greater Madison
2222 S. Park Street

For more information, contact Jan Gietzel
by phone: (608) 441-0630 or by email

email RSVP requested but not required

Our working title for this project is “Women Making Waves.” When it hits print, will “the F word” appear in its pages? Only time will tell. If I can spread the gospel of Caitlin Moran, it will.

Please come to one of our sessions, or contact me (sarah.white@firstpersonprod.com)  and let’s talk about how we can get your story. Let’s reminisce about when we used to say Feminist out loud.