This last Thursday, the Women’s Center on University of Idaho campus started a new tradition, creating a Palousafest event of their own, titling it “FemFest.” In their words, “This event is meant to celebrate the accomplishments of all women, celebrating how far we’ve come, showcasing campus and local organizations that make a daily difference in the lives of women, and anticipating our future successes!” (University of Idaho Women’s Center) Taking place on Women’s Equality Day, the festival featured tables and booths for various student clubs, as well as a DJ, free food, and a raffle.
Having not only attended FemFest but being able to be in charge of a booth during the event, I’m happy and proud that I was able to show up for such a unique event. I think the Women’s Center did a good job at creating an environment for all students to enjoy, as well as an opportunity to get involved. Bringing awareness to the trials that women have had to endure in the past was also a good note.
College can sometimes be a very dangerous and scary environment for women. It can be a wonderful way to branch out and become educated, but also a place where women are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted. According to RAINN statistics, twenty six percent of undergraduate women will experience some form of rape or sexual assault throughout college. Women aged 18-24 are at an elevated risk for sexual assault.
When entering a new environment, and a new chapter of your life, gaining a support system is critical. The Women’s Center seeks to create this support for women and the LGBT community on campus, both of which are some of the most vulnerable populations. Throughout both the events they hold, and their open hours for anyone who needs them, they attempt to bring a sense of unity, inclusion, and trust to students on campus.
This event, and the countless others they have put on is a great way to bring awareness to women’s issues and the fight to safer spaces for all. The Women’s Center gives underrepresented communities a voice, and a way to say, “we are here, we will be heard. We will continue to keep supporting and fighting for what’s right.”
Dani Moore can be reached at [email protected]