THE DIGNITY INITIATIVE WORKS TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

According to the World Health Organization, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Envisioning a future where women are valued and treated with respect in cultures around the world, Collin College is launching The Dignity Initiative this September.

The Dignity Initiative is a multi-year effort to educate the campus and community about five aspects of violence against women and empower individuals toward three specific action steps.

The campaign will explore one aspect of violence each semester through a series of campus events, including film screenings and panel discussions. Fall 2014 will concentrate on victimizers’ roles in perpetuating violence against women and responsibility in ending the oppression of women, and spring 2015 will look at the objectification of women in media, music, language and social structure. Future term areas of emphasis include gender violence, sex trafficking and the global impact of the oppression of women.

 

Students and the local community are encouraged to join Collin College at Walking the Path of Dignity, the campaign’s kick-off event:

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

Spring Creek Campus Atrium, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy in Plano

Attendees will enjoy food and entertainment while learning about this social problem. Student and community organizations working to address the oppression of women in the Collin County area will be available with information about how each individual can personally take action by stepping up, speaking out and acting now. For a full list of campaign events through spring 2015, visit www.collin.edu/community/dignity/campusevents.html.

Sherry Rhodes, professor of speech and chair of the Collin College Committee Against Gender Violence and Oppression, said violence against women has been increasing at an alarming rate in homes and communities around the world.

“Our goal is to educate students and the community about the causes and effects of gender violence and oppression and partner with faculty, student, and community organizations to take action toward the respectful treatment of women,” Rhodes said.

The initiative is asking individuals to affirm their commitment to the three action steps by taking The Pledge, which can be found at www.collin.edu/community/dignity/takethepledge.html.

For more information, visit http://www.collin.edu/community/dignity or email Sherry Rhodes at srhodes@collin.edu or Professor Meredith Wang at mwang@collin.edu.

The Dignity Initiative is sponsored by The Collin College Committee Against Gender Violence and Oppression, a committee with members from all campuses and disciplines.