WRC Fosters Insightful Conversations Through Well-Read Women Events
KENNESAW— Kennesaw State University’s Women’s Resource Center (WRC) facilitates thoughtful discussions of female texts during well-read women events.
Carly Chastain, 19, is the founder of Well-Read Women and a first year English Education & Gender Studies student. Since she believes empowered women empower women, she decided to create monthly meetings where students can discuss highly acclaimed books written by female authors.
“These gatherings stimulate meaningful conversations while building connections,” Chastain said.
Each of the books she picks highlight prominent topics: feminism, self-growth, identity, fixed gender roles, and knocking down boundaries.
21 January 2022: The American Girl Doll Books
Author: Valerie Tripp
American Girl is a popular brand that sells dolls paired with a book detailing the background of each girl.
Each doll is connected to a unique time in American history and teaches young girls about World War II, Slavery, the Mexican-American War, Native American traditions, Revolutionary War, etc.
“The American Girl Doll Books encourage young girls to discover who they are through exploration and expression of themselves in a way that is true to them,” WRC student assistant Hannah Coker said. “I remember reading the books and being fascinated about each girl’s unique journey.”
It is through narratives that people remember things and what better way to educate young girls than through dolls. The American Girl brand brought up key concepts of inclusiveness and diversity as it tried to make sure girls of every background felt represented.
5 November 2021: The Hunger Games, Divergent Books
Author: Suzanne Collins & Veronica Roth
Here, the WRC talked about tropes of women in dystopian fiction through the Hunger Games & Divergent Book Series.
Both series feature a female protagonist who demonstrates characteristics related to bravery, rebellion, courage, and resilience. These books teach girls to be brave in the face of extreme struggle and hardships.
8 October 2021: The Yellow Wallpaper
Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman
This short story highlights the way women have been trapped in specific roles in history and are viewed as inferior to men. This story speaks volumes on women’s rights and advocates for women to have a say in matters especially when it involves their mental health. {Other upcoming events hosted by the WRC are below}
LeadHER Women’s Leadership Program
Craft Corner: Yarn Wall Hangings
Adulting 101: Meal Planning
Womxn & Hair
Galantines Day Brunch
Workshop: Building Healthy Relationships
Reframing You: Body Image Workshop
“The Women Resource Center offers students multiple resources such as free menstrual products, helpful one-on-one advice, and overall a supportive environment,” program coordinator Abby Flagg said.
Most of the gatherings take place in the Carmichael Student Center Room 164 right across the Sentinel. For more information follow KSU_WRC on Instagram or visit https://wrc.kennesaw.edu/ online.
