The long-running WCU Global Spotlight series returns with a discussion on the state of Gender and Sexuality around the globe including the woman’s rights in the United States and the abortion debate.
The event is on Oct. 4 in Forsyth 101 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Dr. Niall Michelsen, professor from the Political Science department and one of the founders of the serial, is behind the event.
“This panel will address some issues that are frequently overlooked in discussion of geopolitical matters such as China’s rise and the war in Ukraine and climate change. We will bring together four WCU faculty members to discuss matters relating to gender in US history and other places around the globe,” Michelsen said.
Michelsen explained that gender and sexuality is often overlooked because these issues rarely dominate the news headlines.
“When selecting topics to present, it is natural to select from topics in the headlines. Many of those topics have differential impacts on gender and sexuality but those frequently are not mentioned.”
The speakers will address topics ranging from history of American woman, sex workers, and care workers in Africa to the present-day woman’s rights in the U.S.
The following speakers and their presentations are:
- Dr. Jessica Casimir-Vadeboncoeur from the Anthropology and Sociology department presentation is titled “Sex Work & Care Work: Feminization of Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
- Dr. Nora Doyle from the History department presentation is on “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Secrets: Fertility Control in Early America.”
- Dr. Jessica Hayden from the Political Science department presentation is titled “The Future of Women’s Rights and the Abortion Debate in the U.S.”
- Dr. Tracy Mensah from the History department is presenting “African Perspectives on Gender and Sexuality.”
