The Clayman Institute for
Gender Research
By Suzanne Braun Levine
This year is the 40th Anniversary Year of Ms. Magazine. Hard to believe, and for those of us involved in that history, it is very moving to remember those early years. The birthday events began at The Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University on January 26th as part of a four-month long celebration of feminism.
Organized by Professor Shelley Fisher Fishkin the Winter Quarter series of more than 25 events – exhibits, talks, screenings, an essay contest and symposium — was sponsored by 35 departments. I participated in the opening weekend events. I was on a panel – Women in the Media – with former Ms. editors Marcia Ann Gillespie and Helen Zia and current Executive Editor Katherine Spillar, and young feminist bloggers Shelby Knox and Miriam Perêz. Gloria Steinem delivered the keynote address: Ms. at 40 and the Future of Feminism.
It was a great celebration of how far we have come and an inspiration to keep making change.
“When I first organized a symposium at Yale on the 10th anniversary of Ms. magazine in 1982, everyone marveled at the fact that such a brazenly feminist magazine had managed to last 10 years. It not only survived 30 more years, but it thrived, playing a vital role in helping two generations enlarge the canvas on which women and men can paint their lives. Feminism has profoundly reshaped the social, political and cultural landscape over the last four decades.”
— Shelley Fisher Fishkin
Highlights from the weekend:
Videos
Keynote address:
The Panel Discussion on iTunes:
Discussion Guides & Articles by Students: