By Marije van Santen
To mark International Women’s Day, an engaging workshop took place in Impulse, fostering dynamic and thought-provoking conversations about the future of feminism. Hosted by Jessica Duncan, the workshop began with an insightful introduction, celebrating women’s achievements while acknowledging the ongoing journey towards gender equality.
Following the introduction, a panel of researchers, all specializing in gender, equality, and power, presented propositions concerning women’s issues. Georgia Diamanti and Marije van Santen discussed the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy on women, followed by Tabitha Muriuki’s exploration of oppressive ideologies within family law. Margriet Goris concluded with a proposition addressing the gender pay gap and options available to men.
After the propositions, attendees formed smaller groups to deliberate and identify key feminist principles. Engaging discussions ensued, culminating in the sharing of various principles raised by the audience:
1. Principles for Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and other universities:
> Promote genuine participation of diverse individuals within the university.
> Ensure active inclusion of women in research endeavors.
> Provide students with access to female scientists.
> Implement mandatory courses on positionality in science, gender studies, ethics, and philosophy across bachelor’s and master’s programs.
> Increase representation of women as chair group holders.
2. Principles for the workplace:
> Close the gender pay gap through collective efforts, including active involvement of men.
> Foster transparency in company salaries to address gender disparities.
3. Principles for society:
> Create safe public spaces for individuals of all genders.
> Enforce zero tolerance for sexual harassment and sexism.
> Consider women’s perspectives in the development of products and services.
This workshop is connected to the SWIFT project and serves as the starting point for ongoing discussions about feminism at WUR. Let’s reconvene next year on International Women’s Day to further advance the dialogue!
