"feminism ain't about equality... it's about reprieve" - ani difranco

FEMINISM(S) IN THE 3rd WAVE - conference day 1

So I'm attending my first conference ever and that up there is its the interesting title. I haven't been among so many strong and influential women since having completed my final semester of my bachelor of arts degree way back in December of 2004. It's awesome. I forgot how energizing and motivating it is to discuss real issues - ever important issues - concerning women's rights in not only this western country, but those of other countries on whole other continents and hemispheres where so many women are fighting and making wonderful advancements for the women of their countries, their sisters. I said I've forgotten, but that's not the right word... I've been occupied with things that have been and still are important to me, ie. travelling the globe, things that I will approach quite differently the next time around. I think this conference will refresh my memory of the language and of the importance of a global community.

Some comments were made tonight and they really stuck with me...

Within feminism, there are so many complexities and differences between us as far as what issue is at the forefront in each of our minds, we bring such diversity to the table of what to fight for. Many times it becomes an argument between two sides who feel so strongly from the position they are speaking from and nothing can come out of such disagreements since neither side is willing to compromise. One woman from a college in Saskatoon mentioned that when debating the pro-choice vs. pro-life issue on their campus, it was fight fight fight the whole time... but they remained and discussed onward, got beyond the beaurocracies of it all and shared their personal feelings and stories with one another, opening up such profound discussion which in turn lead them to compromise and understanding one another's perspective in such a way that had never really been experienced before. A positive outcome for all envolved because they transcended the usual rallying around either side of the dichotomy that is inherently doomed to perpetual head-butting.

However, in saying that, it is still so necessary to speak from "woman", generally speaking... though one is not necessarily required to speak as a woman. Another put forth the idea that to rally under the one all-emcompassing WOMAN could work to reinforce the man-woman binary (ie. the idea that the former has power over the latter, that one is above the other) and so we should keep in mind that not everyone identifies as "woman" in the sense that is commonly believed...

Wow. I am so inspired and on fire right now! I feel such passion and drive again and I love it!!! I will be writing about my experiences from this conference for sure... I feel like I felt while in Cambodia working with DMGF and FCF and how fulfilling it was for not only myself, but for those whose we were affecting. Splendid.

captain's log, star date 2-0-0-6.

engage.

in conversation.