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Free and open to the public.

Women’s History Month events are organized by WCC sociology professor Kathleen French. For more information, contact Kathleen at 808-236-9223 or kfrench@hawaii.edu.

Our History is Our Strength

Celebrate the important contributions of women from Hawai‘i and around the world.


Hawaiian Kingdom Women, College and You

Sally Jo Bowman

Thursday, February 24, 1:30-2:30pm Kuhina 115

Bowman is an award-winning writer and teacher who grew up in Kailua and graduated from Kamehameha Schools. Her award-winning writing includes two recent books, “No Footprints in the Sand: A Memoir of Kalaupapa and “The Heart of Being Hawaiian.” Co-sponsored with HWST 255 professors.


Killing Us Softly 4: Advertising’s Image of Women

Wednesday March 2, 1:30-2:45pm ‘Ākoakoa 107

“Killing Us Softly 4” is the latest version of the film that was first released in 1987. Director Margaret Lazarus demonstrates how media and advertising have a negative impact on women by creating an unrealistic ideal of beauty. Film with discussion afterwards.


The Line: Where is the Line of Consent?

Wednesday March 9, 12:30-1:30pm ‘Ākoakoa 105

Produced and directed by Nancy Schwartzman, “The Line” is a documentary about a one-night stand that goes wrong and asks the viewer the question “Where are the sexual boundaries? What is consent and assault? Schwartzman made the film in response to her own sexual assault and tells it from the viewpoint of a sexual woman rather than a victim. Film with discussion afterwards.


Generation M: Misogyny in Media and Culture

Wednesday March 16, 1:30-2:45pm Kuhina 115

Misogyny means: the hatred of women, as a sexually defined group. In his documentary, Dr. Thomas Keith examines how sexism still continues in the media and the effects it has on society. The film is broken up into five different sections: Female Empowerment?, The Doll Wars, Idealized Beauty, The Pink-Blue Dichotomy, and Misogyny and Double Standards. Film with discussion afterwards.


What are we going to do when the military leaves?

Kathy Ferguson

Thursday March 17, 12:30-1:30pm Pālanakila 227

Ferguson will discuss this year’s WCC Common Book Melal, WCC Professor Robert Barclay’s novel, which tells a story of the Marshall Islands and weaves mythological with the everyday. Ferguson is professor of political science and women’s studies at UH-Mānoa. She has held a Fulbright appointment in Israel and has also taught in New York, Austria, and Sweden. Co-sponsored with the Common Book Program.


Juggling Gender: Culture, Appearance and the Politics of Identity

Thursday March 31, 9:45-11:00am ‘Ākoakoa 105

Performing as a real “bearded lady” in a sideshow act is only one of the roles Jennifer Miller plays. The film is a portrait of Miller, a performer who lives her life with a full beard. She lives a lifestyle that blends genders that makes the viewer question what it really means to be feminine and masculine. Film with discussion afterwards.