By Sam Guerrero
KENNESAW—Kennesaw State University’s Women’s Resource Center (WRC) facilitates thoughtful discussions of female texts by hosting a Well- Read Women event every month.
Carly Chastain, 19, is a 1st year English Education major & Gender Studies minor and is the leader and founder of Well-Read Women.
She believes empowered women empower other women. That is why Chastain decided to create meetings where students can talk about highly acclaimed books that are written by female authors.
“These gatherings are supposed to stimulate meaningful conversations while building friendships and community relationships here at KSU,” Chastain said.
Each of the books she picks convey prominent themes and ideas of 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 sold dolls that came with a book to tell the story of each particular girl.
Each doll is connected to a unique time in American history and teaches young girls about important topics such as 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 and story.”
It is through stories and 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 and heard.
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}
- 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.
