Further Exploration
Gender and Education
Online Resources:
- http://www.wix.com/themissgproject/
- http://www.ungei.org/resources/
files/Education_from_a_Gender_
Equality_Perspective.pdf
- http://www.womendeliver.org/
knowledge-center/facts-figures/girls-education/
- http://www.oxfam.org/en/campaigns
Films:
- License to Thrive: Title IX at 35
This short length documentary about a breakthrough piece of legislation in the United States is a must see for all of those who are passionate about increasing female participation and leadership in universities and other dominant institutions. Written and Directed by Theresa Moore in 2008, License to Thrive: Title IX at 35 engages the audience with personal stories of triumph and success that followed after Title IX was implemented as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This amendment was revolutionary as it forbids any collegiate institute in the United States from rejecting or denying anybody’s rights based on sex and/or gender. It goes over the barriers women in education faced prior to Title IX and then talks about various female organizations, programs and grants that were founded as a result of Title IX.
Empowerment through Art
Film Review: Born into Brothels
Born Into Brothels is a documentary about the inspiring non-profit foundation Kids With Cameras, which teaches photography skills to children in the red-light district of Calcutta. In 1998, New York-based photographer Zana Briski started photographing prostitutes in the red-light district of Calcutta. She eventually developed a relationship with their children, who were fascinated by her equipment. After several years of learning in workshops with Briski, the kids created their own photographs with point-and-shoot 35 mm cameras. The film discusses the discrimination these children face baced on caste and gender, and in great detail explores their troubling lives. The proceeds of the film go directly to funding the children's education. It is a hearthwrenching fulm, but does a great job of illustrating the stigma associated with women who participate in sex work.
Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia
Film Review: (Un)veiled: Muslim Women Talk About Hijab
This documentary shows just how varied and diverse the Muslim world is from country to country, counter to the monolithic image that many non-Muslims have of Muslim culture. The movie demonstrates how different upbringings in different cultures greatly influence religious practices, specifically with regards to Hijab, and through speaking with Muslim women from across the globe it shows that Muslim culture and beliefs are just as wide ranging as Judaeo-Christian ones, with as many debates and disagreements about the best interpretation of scripture, the role of Islam in the modern world, and the rights of Muslim women.
Understanding Ourselves and Our World
Book Review: Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America by Kalle lasn
Culture Jam is a book which explores some of the most serious issues facing modern Western Society and how they relate to the enormous amount of advertising and media exposure we are witness to on a daily basis. The Book identifies how constant bombardment by media and our obsession with consumerism are shaping not only our wallets, but our health, sexuality, and mental well-being. By exploring rising rates of depression, anxiety, and social disorders in relation to the surge in media exposure, as well as discussing gender norms and identification in relation to media, Culture Jam points out the best of the worst things about Western Culture. This book is perfect for gaining a basic understanding of why we think the way we do, and is complimentary to any study which acknowledges media influence in the way we live.