Women's Network Presents "Mujeres Modernas"
photo courtesy of victoria vega
One day prior to the start of #NotAgainSU, The Syracuse University’s Women’s Network held a discussion about the struggles unique to those of LatinX heritage in a panel called “Mujeres Modernas.” Panelists discussed the gender inequality, racism, and machismo that LatinX individuals struggle with on a daily basis.
For sophomore Rhetorical Studies major Victoria Vega, the event was an important discussion to be had. Working with The Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA), the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and La LUCHA, Vega wanted to bring insight into the experiences of LatinX women.
“These are important conversations to have because the experiences of women when it comes to feminism and discrimination vary based on the color of their skin or identities that they identify with and carry,” Vega said. “I just wanted to see how people would interact and kind of come together on the topic of feminism.”
It can be tough to facilitate meaningful discussions around inequality, sexism, and gender, especially when considering the trauma that can be brought up in such conversations. Disagreements can become aggressive and people can feel disrespected. As a result, many people decide to avoid these discussions altogether.
Luckily, Teresita Paniagua, the Executive Director of the Office of Cultural Engagement for the Hispanic Community, has advice on how to facilitate these difficult conversations.
“There’s a lot of anger sometimes in these kinds of conversations that tend to close the possibility of the conversation,” said Paniagua. “Sometimes, to get into the more sensitive areas with a little bit of humor and creativity, a conversation can really go somewhere.”
Benevolent sexism was one of those sensitive areas that was brought up at the panel.
Rhetorical Studies professor, Kathleen Feyh talked about how feminism isn’t just about women’s rights, but equal rights for all people, and spoke against the misconception that feminism advocates for the superiority of women or the diminished standing of men.
When it comes to combating this inequality, women’s networking groups enable women to successfully advance in many facets of society. Student leader Andrea Roque believes it’s important for women to be able to discuss their beliefs, personal and work life, and career goals at ease.
“One of the most important things when it comes to feminism is that there needs to be a support system between all of us or else I don’t think we’re going to be able to excel and overall have that power between all of us if every minute or every second we’re constantly bringing each other down,” said Roque. “I think we must be comfortable enough with who we are to be able to empower other individuals.”
Director of the Latino-Latin American Studies Program Interdisciplinary, Myrna Calderón, echoed this sentiment, talking about how important it is to learn how to pick your battles in the professional world.
“Professionalism in the workplace can vary due to different work environments and expectations,” said Calderón. “Therefore, each company has their own sense of professionalism. For example, one business might be okay with their female employees wearing business casual short sleeve shirts with skirts; however, another business might require their female employees to completely cover up their bodies.”
Calderón continued to explain that for some people, this might not bother them.
However, for others, it would be extremely difficult for them to limit certain aspects of who they are in order to maintain their position. So, at some point, you have to negotiate how much you’re willing to give up based on your beliefs.
The conversation ended with the audience and panelists discussing various ways to promote and achieve greater equality in society. Ultimately, everyone agreed that being present, recognizing that sexism and racism in society, and acknowledging the importance of conversation, was imperative to create a world of gender and racial equality.
Even if you’re not part of a minority group, a true ally is someone who shows up to march and protest. A true ally acts when they see events, policies, or situations that are harmful to those who aren’t as privileged as them. Although it can be hard to show up to places where you might feel like you don’t belong, being there is an important step in showing support. It’s on all of us.